Old Trafford, Monday, 8pm, live Sky Sports 1
SPURS may feel they'll never have a better chance of beating Man United at Old Trafford – but I wonder how many times that's been said since 1989.
Twenty-one years ago – that was the last time the White Hart Lane men triumphed in the Theatre of Dreams.
They haven't managed to avoid defeat since 2005 and managed just five draws in that 21-year spell.
It's a dreadful record but as St Johnstone showed on Sunday records are there to be broken.
And while the Perth side were a biggest 16-1 for their visit to Parkhead, Spurs have been cut to a best 5-1 with the likes of Paddy Power and Betfred.
If United were at full strength I'd be all over the home win at 4-6 with bet365, William Hill and Chandler but there has to be some doubt considering Sir Alex Ferguson will be without first-choice centre-halves Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand as well as Rafael.
It means a massive test for Sunderland signing Phil Jones on his home debut alongside another youngster Chris Smalling.
And remember behind them is the so far unconvincing figure of keeper David de Gea.
So if it wasn't for their dreadful record Spurs would be worth a look or even the draw at 14-5 with Betfred.
But last season United were weakened on several occasions and ground out results. Remember the only side who avoided defeat at Old Trafford were West Brom who managed a draw thanks to an uncharacteristic blunder by Edwin van der Sar.
It's United for me but it could be by one goal and that pays a best 11-4 at boylesports.
Spurs' first league match against Everton was postponed so we can only judge them on their 5-0 Europa League win at Hearts.
Harry Redknapp's men looked good going forward but the Jambos defended worse than my granny and you can't read too much into it.
Spurs are likely to set up to attack but as long as United snuff out the threat of Gareth Bale and Rafael van der Vaart they should be OK.
Both players netted at Tynecastle and you can have 11-1 with unibet on the Dutchman to break the deadlock and 16-1 with bet365 on Bale.
But if you're looking at a United win there are two men to focus on – Wayne Rooney and Ashley Young.
Rooney hit the opener at West Brom and is 9-2 with bet365 and Ladbrokes to repeat the dose while Young is 9-1 at Ladbrokes and 3-1 with the same firm to net at any time.
With United weakened defensively and Spurs promising to attack both teams should score and that pays 8-11 at Skybet and Stan James.
I'm looking at 2-1 or maybe even 3-1 Man United and you can have over 2.5 goals at 4-6 with William Hill and others.
Recommendations
Rooney to score first
(9-2, bet365)
(8-11, Skybet, Stan James)
Man United to win by one
(11-4, boylesports)
Resident football tipster at Scotland's most read newspaper, the Daily Record, for over 20 years and proud host of one the best betting communities on the web with daily betting tips.
