Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester United
English Premier League, KO: 17:30 Aug 19, 2023, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
ONE of the standout fixtures from the second round of English Premier League matches takes place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday evening as Spurs entertain Manchester United.
Under Ange Postecoglou for the first time in the top-flight, Tottenham kicked-off their 2023-24 campaign with a barnstorming 2-2 draw at Brentford last Sunday, in a game which justified my faith in supporting goals.
Spurs will have taken plenty of positives from their showing across the city last weekend, especially so soon after the transfer saga that culminated around Harry Kane leaving the club for Bayern Munich.
In the midst of a new dawn at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Postecoglou and Co will be keen to lay down an early marker in an early season high-profile clash with Manchester United.
The Red Devils began their Premier League season with a somewhat fortuitous 1-0 victory over Wolves on Monday night, in another game which brought up one of my selections.
After withstanding a barrage of Wolves chances and then being saved by some late Var controversy, Erik ten Hag will know his side will have to put in a much-improved display in North London this weekend if they are to start the season with back-to-back wins.
Outright Betting
Last season's corresponding fixture ended all square and the same outcome here can be backed at 13/5 (Bet 365) while a Tottenham triumph is trading at 19/10 (Bet 365).
Despite claiming top honours from just eight of their 19 Premier League road games last season, Manchester United make the trip south as 13/10 favourites with William Hill.
Betting Angles
I successfully sided with Over 2.75 strikes in Spurs' draw with Brentford last Sunday and I'm going to follow a similar theme here by bundling up Over 2.5 Goals and Each Team to Receive a Card at 17/20 (Bet 365).
New Spurs boss Postecoglou was known for his forward-thinking philosophy at Celtic (and elsewhere) and the attack-minded Aussie is unlikely to sacrifice his principles against the elite sides of the English Premier League.
That cavalier approach was clear to see in Spurs' all London-affair with Brentford last time out and I'm hopeful another high-scoring shootout could lie in wait this weekend.
Even without Harry Kane, Tottenham have an attacking armoury filled with goal-threatening talent that should threaten a Manchester United team that survived several missed Wolves opportunities on Monday night.
That being said, Spurs' shaky defending against Brentford coupled with their cavalier approach suggests that their top-heavy guests should also be presented with goalscoring opportunities.
With all that in mind, I'm happy to side with Over 2.5 strikes in North London, but to round off the Bet Builder, I'll also back referee Michael Oliver to brandish both teams at least one card in what should be a keenly-contested affair.
This Bet Builder landed with relative ease in Tottenham's season opener last weekend and I see no reason to oppose a repeat here at 17/20 (Bet 365) given that we have all the necessary ingredients required for an action-packed contest in the capital.
With a passionate home crowd roaring them on, I'll also have a small play on Tottenham to earn a minimum of three first-half corners at 10/11 with Bet 365.
Ange Postecoglou sides are notoriously quick out of the blocks and they look worthy of some interest to rack up 3+ first-half three flag kicks against a Red Devils side that shipped seven corners against Wolves last time out.
This English Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United will be played on Aug 19, 2023 and kick off at 17:30. Check below for our tipsters best Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
