League Cup-preview: Tottenham vs. Manchester United

Manchester United has not won any of their last four matches against Tottenham, including a 0-3 loss in their first Premier League encounter this season. However, United has built a reputation as a cup specialist in recent seasons, setting the stage for an exciting showdown as the last ticket to the League Cup semifinals is handed out tonight.

Big Four-semis

Regardless of who advances tonight, the League Cup semifinals will feature four powerhouse clubs. League leaders Liverpool, the most successful team in the tournament's history, secured their spot with a routine win against bottom-of-the-table Southampton. Newcastle cruised past Brentford at St. James' Park, while Gabriel Jesus became the hero for Arsenal with a hat-trick in their dramatic 3-2 comeback victory against Crystal Palace.

Liverpool, the reigning champions with 10 League Cup titles, are aiming to add to their trophy haul. Newcastle is chasing their first-ever final victory, while Arsenal, with two titles (the last in 1993), looks to end a long drought. Tottenham, four-time winners, hasn’t lifted the trophy since 2008. Meanwhile, United, boasting six titles, claimed their latest victory as recently as 2023 when they beat Newcastle in the final.

Renewed Confidence

Both teams enter tonight’s match riding on renewed confidence. Last weekend, Ruben Amorim’s United pulled off a dramatic 2-1 victory against city rivals Manchester City. Down 0-1 with just two minutes of regulation time left, United turned the game around through a stellar performance by Amad Diallo. The 22-year-old winger won a penalty converted by Bruno Fernandes before scoring the winner in stoppage time.

Despite the victory, much of the week’s attention has been on Marcus Rashford, who was left out of the squad against City and will also miss tonight's match. Rashford has admitted he is ready for new challenges, with a January transfer looking increasingly likely. Alejandro Garnacho, also left out last weekend, is expected to return tonight. Garnacho, with three goals and three assists, has played a pivotal role in making United the highest-scoring team in the League Cup this season. After demolishing Barnsley 7-0 and Leicester 5-2, United could become just the second team in League Cup history to score five or more goals in three consecutive matches.

Adding to the intrigue, United will be led by their third manager in three League Cup games this season. The win against Barnsley came under Erik ten Hag, Ruud van Nistelrooy took charge against Leicester before becoming Leicester's manager, and now Ruben Amorim is at the helm.

Postecoglou’s Relief

Tottenham’s season has been anything but consistent. Calls for a managerial change have echoed in London on their worst days. Ange Postecoglou’s side is a team of extremes: they remain the only club to lose to Ipswich this season, only to follow it up with a stunning 4-0 win against Manchester City in Manchester. This week, however, Postecoglou has enjoyed some respite following a commanding 5-0 victory over Southampton.

Spurs led 3-0 within the first 15 minutes and managed the game comfortably from there. The win was only their second in five matches, highlighting the unpredictability of their form as they prepare to face another mid-table Premier League side in United. Tottenham currently sits 10th in the league, while United is in 13th.

In the League Cup, Tottenham has advanced from their last four quarterfinal appearances.

Tottenham’s Injuries

Tottenham will be without Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Richarlison, and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, all sidelined due to injuries. Rodrigo Bentancur is also unavailable after his appeal against a seven-game suspension was denied. Additionally, assist leader Heung-min Son is a doubt after picking up a knock against Southampton.

United faces fewer injury concerns. Mason Mount and Luke Shaw are confirmed absentees, while Noussair Mazraoui remains a doubt. Marcus Rashford, as noted, appears to have played his last game for the club. Apart from these issues, Ruben Amorim has a strong squad to select from.

Betting Tips: League Cup

Tottenham defeated Manchester United 3-0 at Old Trafford in late September, but as mentioned, it’s impossible to predict which version of Spurs will show up. United remains inconsistent under their new manager, and both sides may prioritize other competitions. Tottenham faces Liverpool this weekend, a match that could impact their plans tonight.

Picking a winner is challenging, but goals are likely when Tottenham is involved. Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals are attractive bets, with the latter being our pick.

The Bet: Over 2.5 goals, at 1.42 odds via Betsson (5 units).

TheTipster