Man Utd V Tottenham

It’s incredibly tough to oppose the record books but Monday night truly represents one of the best opportunities for Tottenham Hotspur to end their Manchester United hoodoo. Firstly, let’s remind ourselves why the bookies make the champions overwhelming favourites (4/6), lest anybody assumes that the statistical evidence has simply passed me by. Yes, I am aware that United are unbeaten against their upcoming opponents in 24 matches in all competitions - a run stretching back to May 2001. I am also aware that Spurs last won at Old Trafford in 1989 when Gary Lineker was on the score sheet. And that the Red Devils won 18 of 19 league matches at the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ last season. It’s fair to say it doesn’t good look for the visitors on the face of it!

Yet, despite all this historical evidence, I think Harry Redknapp will see Monday night as the perfect moment to end those sequences. The home defence has been decimated by injury; Ferdinand, Vidic and Rafael will all be absent, and behind the reserves who come in will be a goalkeeper who is yet to impress at his new club. David de Gea was at fault for goals in the Community Shield and in the league opener at WBA. It’s been a while since United lacked a steadying influence between the sticks, and now they really need it.

The injury problems for United don’t end in defence either. Javier Hernandez, Darren Fletcher and Antonio Valencia are all key men unlikely to feature as well. In comparison, Redknapp only really has doubts over players in positions where he has adequate cover. Luka Modric is expected to play despite his protracted transfer saga and a minor knock that kept him off the pitch against Hearts. In that match, where the opposition was outclassed, Spurs showed a surprising level of sharpness in their first competitive start of the season, winning 5-0.

The history books are there to be re-written and Redknapp’s side have already ended a few other hoodoos of late. Last November they won away to Arsenal for the first time in 17 years, having trailed 2-0. In May they won at Anfield for the first time in 18 years. And this is before we mention a 1-0 triumph against AC Milan at the San Siro in the Champions League knock-out phase. In other words, the days of Spurs being daunted by the biggest away fixtures appear to be over.

However, when it’s all said and done we know how tough the champions are and backing the away win without contingency looks too risky. Instead, there is still great value to be had in the draw no bet market. Back Spurs to win at 7/2 with Boylesports and if the match ends as a draw then you get your money back anyway.