EFL Cup Preview: Manchester United vs. Tottenham 

A place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals is on the line as Tottenham Hotspur host Manchester United in North London on Thursday night. Both teams come into this quarter-final clash with momentum from weekend Premier League wins, with Spurs hammering Southampton 5-0, while United edged Manchester City in a dramatic derby victory.

Ruben Amorim’s Red Devils will face a challenge in North London, as Spurs inflicted a 3-0 Premier League defeat on Erik ten Hag’s United at Old Trafford in September – one of United’s lowest moments this campaign.

Spurs Seek Consistency Under Postecoglou (+135 at EveryGame)

After a dismal run of just one win in eight games across all competitions, Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham finally delivered a commanding performance last Sunday. Spurs dismantled bottom-of-the-table Southampton with an explosive first-half display, featuring goals from James Maddison (twice), Son Heung-min, Dejan Kulusevski, and Pape Matar Sarr.

Despite the latest triumph, Postecoglou’s side remains mid-table in 10th place, five points off the top four. With tough league fixtures against Liverpool and Nottingham Forest on the horizon, Spurs will first turn their attention to the EFL Cup, aiming to reach the semi-finals for the third time in five seasons.

Having defeated Manchester City 2-1 in the previous round, Tottenham must now end a four-game winless streak at home to advance. Their last home victory came in October, and they have not endured a longer drought since 2008 – the same year they last lifted a major trophy (the EFL Cup) with figures like Jonathan Woodgate, Ledley King, Robbie Keane and Dimitar Berbatov in the squad. 

Tottenham will be without Uruguay midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur, who serves the sixth of a seven-game suspension. Injuries also rule out a host of first-team players including first-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario as well as Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Ben Davies, Wilson Odobert, Mikey Moore and Richarlison.

Furthermore, Destiny Udogie is a doubt due to a thigh issue picked up against Southampton, which could see Djed Spence continue at left-back after impressing in his first competitive start (took him 811 days) for the North London outfit. Yves Bissouma is back from suspension and may return to the starting XI, while Brennan Johnson is in contention to replace Dominic Solanke up front, possibly pushing Son Heung-min into a central striker role.

Resurgent United Target Cup Glory (+170 at EveryGame)

Manchester United, under new manager Ruben Amorim, are building momentum after a tough start to the campaign. Back-to-back comeback victories on the road – 2-1 against Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League and a late turnaround at the Etihad to beat Manchester City by the same scoreline – have reignited belief within the squad.

United, who sit 13th in the Premier League, are six points off the top four but will look to carry their confidence into the cup. Historically strong in this competition, United are six-time winners and boast a formidable record in EFL Cup away ties, winning their last six by a combined score of 14-1.

The Red Devils have also been prolific in this season’s tournament, scoring 12 goals across two rounds, including a 7-0 demolition of League One side Barnsley and a 5-2 triumph over Leicester City under interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy, who is now managing the Foxes.

United have concerns over Mason Mount and Noussair Mazraoui, who both went off injured in the Manchester derby. While the former is unlikely to feature, Mazraoui will face a late fitness test. Elsewhere, Luke Shaw and Jonny Evans remain sidelined. 

Manager Ruben Amorim could rotate his squad, with Leny Yoro, Tyrell Malacia, Casemiro, Antony, and Joshua Zirkzee all pushing for starts. 

Amorim may also recall Alejandro Garnacho, though he is not guaranteed a place in the starting XI, while latest reports suggest that Marcus Rashford was omitted from United’s travelling squad. 

Possible Starting Lineups of Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United 

Tottenham Hotspur: Fraser Forster – Pedro Porro, Alfie Gray, Radu Dragusin, Djed Spence – Dejan Kulusevski, Pape Matar Sarr, Yves Bissouma – Brennan Johnson, Dominic Solanke, Son Heung-min. (4-3-3) 

Manchester United: Andre Onana – Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro – Tyrell Malacia, Kobbie Mainoo, Casemiro, Diogo Dalot – Bruno Fernandes, Amad Diallo – Joshua Zirkzee. (3-4-2-1) 

Spooky Express Betting Prediction

According to EveryGame’s betting odds, Tottenham Hotspur enter the clash as slight favorites at +135, reflecting their home advantage and recent emphatic victory over Southampton. Meanwhile, Manchester United are priced at +170 to secure an away win, with their strong EFL Cup away record boosting confidence. The odds for the match ending in a stalemate after 90 minutes are set at +290, highlighting the potential for a closely contested affair.

With Tottenham’s inconsistency and United’s knack for grinding out results under Ruben Amorim, this matchup could be a betting minefield, with the draw providing value for those anticipating a dramatic finish possibly decided by penalties.

While Spurs coasted to a 3-0 victory in their most recent meeting with Manchester United, the unpredictability of Postecoglou’s side makes this encounter tough to call. The Red Devils have been far from their best even after Ruben Amorim’s appointment, but are finding ways to win and they will be keen to build on their dramatic comeback over Manchester City.

This match could go the distance, with United perhaps edging through after a close-fought contest at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Spooky Express Free Play: X2 (Manchester United or Draw) and Over 2.5 Goals +145 at EveryGame for 5/10 Units