Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur
Barclays Premier League
Venue: Old Trafford
Date: Saturday, 29 September KO 17:30
TEAM NEWS
Manchester United winger Antonio Valencia is doubtful to face Tottenham after suffering an ankle injury during the win at Liverpool.
Manager Sir Alex Ferguson must decide whether or not to pick Wayne Rooney as he eases him back from injury.
Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas will restore the likes of Brad Friedel, Gareth Bale and Jermain Defoe to his side after they were rested in midweek.
Kyle Naughton could return after missing the match with QPR last Sunday.
MATCH PREVIEW
What were you doing in December 1989?* I only ask because that's the last time Spurs beat Manchester United at Old Trafford. They've been the visitors 26 times since and lost 22 times - including the last nine in a row.
Factor in games at White Hart Lane (and one at Wembley) and a symmetry of United dominance appears. Twenty six games undefeated against Spurs anywhere, in any competition, winning 22 of them.
Of course, none of that means that Spurs are without a chance this time, and I quite fancy them to at least run United close.
Results-wise, both teams are in form with League Cup wins this week to add to runs of four (for Manchester United) and two (for Spurs) league wins in a row. Both also had to show spirit, and arguably make the most of a bit of luck, in coming from behind to win last weekend - in United's case the third time in five league games this season that they've turned a result around.
I was there the first time it happened against Fulham in August, and remember two things from that game that could be factors here.
Mousa Dembele was terrific in his final appearance for the Cottagers, and I really like the look of the Spurs midfield now as he, Clint Dempsey and Gylfi Sigurdsson settle in. Add Sandro, Gareth Bale, Aaron Lennon, Tom Huddlestone and Scott Parker to come back - plus talented prospects Andros Townsend, Jake Livermore and Yago Falque...that's some strength in depth.
It was also the Fulham game in which Wayne Rooney suffered that horrific cut to his thigh. His comeback against Saudi Sportswashing Machine on Wednesday was hailed as "terrific" by Sir Alex Ferguson, and he looked in the best shape he's been in since May. A fit Rooney can now properly start to form a partnership with Robin van Persie - a frightening thought for the rest of the league.
*Gary Lineker was scoring the winner in a 1-0 Spurs win at Old Trafford. I was 'studying' for A-levels in a Guns N' Roses t-shirt. Jive Bunny were ridiculously at number one in the charts.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Spurs' last victory over the Red Devils was a 3-1 success in May 2001 at White Hart Lane. Manchester United veterans Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes both started that match, the latter scoring.
Current Manchester United players such as Danny Welbeck, David de Gea, Fabio and the injured Phil Jones were not even born the last time Spurs won at Old Trafford in 1989.
Tottenham have failed to score in four of their last six league and cup games against the Red Devils.
Ryan Giggs has scored more goals (10) against Spurs in the Premier League than versus any other opponent, including the first goal in this fixture in the Premier League era in September 1992.
Manchester United
The Red Devils have been awarded a penalty in each of their last three league matches. The last Premier League club to get four in a row was Arsenal in 2007.
Wayne Rooney has scored seven goals in his last eight Premier League appearances against Tottenham, and five in the last five.
Robin van Persie is set to make his 200th Premier League appearance. He scored five goals and made four assists in his last six league home games against Tottenham while at Arsenal.
Tottenham Hotspur
The win over QPR gave boss Andre Villas-Boas back-to-back wins in the Premier League for the first time since January, when his then-Chelsea side beat Wolves 2-1 away and Sunderland 1-0 at home.
Tottenham have scored a league-high 88% of their goals in the second half this season.
Jermain Defoe has had more shots than any other player in the Premier League this season (31) and has had the most on target (nine). He has four goals and an assist in five league appearances and is currently on 199 club career goals.