The first of this season’s FA Cup semi-finals takes place at Wembley on Saturday afternoon as Manchester United take on Tottenham, with this competition being both team’s last remaining hopes of winning a trophy this season.
Jose Mourinho is under huge pressure to deliver a trophy as United’s season flickers out as they’ve finished miles behind City in the Premier League and were eliminated early by Sevilla in the Champions League. They beat Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium in midweek, with goals coming from Chris Smalling and Romelu Lukaku.
As for Tottenham, Mauricio Pochettino will be eager to end a 10-year wait for a trophy and it’s almost a case of now or never for Spurs. Another failure to win a trophy this season would be a huge disappointment considering the talent at his disposal and with doubts over the futures of many of their star players. Wembley has been the club’s temporary home this season, one which they’ve done well in, so there’ll be no issues affecting the players in that regard. It’ll be down to whether they can handle the pressure on the day.
Manchester United vs. Tottenham Predictions
Jose Mourinho sides tend to know how to play when it comes to semi-finals, whereas Spurs are notorious for blowing these kinds of opportunities. This will be a tough game for both teams, one which could go to extra time.
Manchester United vs. Tottenham Betting Tips
- Manchester United to win: 23/10
- Draw: 47/20
- Tottenham to win: 6/5
- Romelu Lukaku to score anytime: 39/20
Head to Head
- This will be Manchester United’s 29th appearance in the FA Cup semi-finals, equalling Arsenal’s record set last season.
- Tottenham have lost each of their last seven FA Cup semi-final ties, the longest such run in the competition’s history.
- After a run of progressing from 13 straight FA Cup semi-finals, the Red Devils have been eliminated from two of their last three (2009 vs. Everton and 2011 vs. Manchester City).
- This will be the fourth occasion of the same two teams playing against each other at Wembley in different competitions within the same season. The others were Liverpool vs. West Ham in 1980/81, Arsenal vs. Sheffield Wednesday in 1992/93 and Tottenham vs. West Ham this season.
- Manchester United have won each of their last three FA Cup ties against Tottenham (1997, 2008 and 2009), last losing to them in a third-round replay in January 1980.
- Spurs have won three of their last five meetings with Manchester United in all competitions (L2), as many as they had in their previous 36 against them.
- Tottenham are the highest scorers in this season’s FA Cup, netting 17 goals in their six games.
- Romelu Lukaku has scored in each round Manchester United have played in so far this season, netting five goals in total.
- Son Heung-min has had a hand in 14 goals in his 15 FA Cup appearances (9 goals, 5 assists), more than any other player in the competition over the last three seasons.
- Alexis Sanchez has scored five goals in his four FA Cup games at Wembley Stadium, including the winning goals in both of his semi-final appearances.
Manchester United Team News
Paul Pogba and Alexis Sanchez could both feature, while Romelu Lukaku will start upfront after scoring in all of his FA Cup games this season. David De Gea will certainly start in goal as Sergio Romero is injured, while Chris Smalling could continue in defence after scoring against Bournemouth in midweek.
Probable Manchester United XI: David De Gea, Antonio Valencia, Eric Bailly, Chris Smalling, Ashley Young, Nemanja Matic, Ander Herrera, Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Romelu Lukaku, Alexis Sanchez
Tottenham Team News
Toby Alderweireld made his first Premier League start in six months in midweek, but might not be risked twice in a week. Kyle Walker-Peters and Danny Rose are also in contention. Harry Kane looks to have returned to full fitness and will start upfront.
Probable Tottenham XI: Hugo Lloris, Kieran Trippier, Davinson Sanchez, Jan Vertonghen, Ben Davies, Eric Dier, Mousa Dembele, Heung-min Son, Dele Alli, Christian Eriksen, Harry Kane