Despite their derby win at Eastlands a fortnight ago, Sir Alex Ferguson’s men are still not the complete article this season. Whether it’s Cristiano Ronaldo’s indifferent form or the reluctance of the manager to start Carlos Tevez, the champions are lacking a cutting edge, as last Saturday’s dramatic 1-0 win over Sunderland testified.
Nevertheless, it hasn’t stopped the bookmakers from chalking them up as an odds-on chance for their televised trip to White Hart Lane. The likes of Stan James and Blue Square go a best price 5/6 about the Red Devils, despite managing to win just three of their eight away matches to date. While they controlled the game against Manchester City, they are likely to face a much sterner challenge from a rejuvenated Tottenham.
Spurs are 7/2 with Skybet and bet365 to follow up Monday night’s win at Upton Park with a famous three points against United. They came desperately close to beating the same opponents last season, leading for most of the match before Tevez equalised in injury time. Another point apiece is priced at 13/5 (Boylesports), but if you fancy Harry Redknapp’s men and want the draw as insurance, why not go for the 9/4 (bet365) about the home side on the ‘Draw No Bet’ market.
One player certain to receive a frosty reception is Dimitar Berbatov, the striker who many believe was responsible for Tottenham’s dreadful start to the season. The Bulgarian opened the scoring in this fixture last season, and he’s 5/1 (Betfred) to do so again, while wearing the colours of the opposition! After three league games without a goal, many will claim that Cristiano Ronaldo is due one, with bet365 offering 5/4 that his name is on the scoresheet.
Spurs supporters will be hoping to see Luka Modric break his duck for the club on Saturday evening, especially with the little Croatian coming close to scoring against West Ham. Skybet offer 14/1 that he sends the home supporters into raptures with the first goal of the game, while another 2-0 victory in Tottenham’s favour is priced at 25/1 (Coral).