On Saturday evening Spurs will kick-off at ‘home’ against Manchester United in what looks like being a pulsating FA Cup Semi Final. As Spurs fans will know all too well, it is an opportunity to make it to a first FA Cup Final since 1991. While Pochettino’s men should take confidence from the 2-0 victory over United in the last league meeting at Wembley, it should be noted that the Red Devils have been in good form of late, reeling off victories against Man City, Liverpool and Chelsea. It looks a tough one to call. Here is a quick guide to everything you need to know:
The Tale of the Cup:
It might surprise some to learn that Spurs are 13/8 favourites with Betway to win the FA Cup – will we look back at Harry Kane’s late equaliser against Newport County as a pivotal moment in Spurs’ history? United have been largely unspectacular in the Cup, although they have yet to break a sweat in dispatching weaker opposition. They are priced at 5/2 to win the trophy. Chelsea (2/1) and Southampton (14/1) are the other protagonists.
Spurs vs United Cup history:
This will be Spurs and United’s first meeting in FA Cup Semi Final since 1962. A certain Jimmy Greaves opened the scoring on that day, with Spurs winning 3-1 and going on to beat Burnley in the Cup Final.
Spurs vs United recent history:
That 2-0 victory in late-January was arguably one of the best Tottenham performances in recent times, with the scoreline flattering United. It was most noted for the early, relentless pressure on United’s defence. The reverse fixture at Old Trafford was a dull affair. Both sides were lifeless in a 1-0 United victory settled by a late Martial goal.
The feeling around the clubs:
At this point, it would be a massive shock if both United and Spurs don’t secure a Top 4 place at the end of the season. They will both be fighting it out (with Liverpool) to finish second behind Manchester City. Both sets of fans will be hoping to make a more sustained title challenge next season, but an FA Cup Final win would make an average season a good one.
Where the match will be won:
It’s ironic that United have such a good defensive record, when their defence looks so shaky. Pressurising the likes of Chris Smalling, both in set pieces and open play usually pays dividends. For United, Lukaku and Lingard often find a way to score, even when they are not playing well.
What the bookmakers say:
As it’s Wembley, Spurs have been made 23/20 favourites. United are 21/10 and the draw 11/5. If you fancy a repeat of the 2-0 scoreline from the last meeting, it’s 8/1. A boring 0-0 draw is also 8/1. You can check out the latest Betway free bet offer to bet on any market you like.
Will Spurs do it?
You would expect Pochettino and the players to be quietly confident of a result, especially since Harry Kane has returned from injury sooner than expected. However, this is exactly the type of fixture that Spurs fans have seen the team come up in short in recent years. Let’s file it under ‘cautious optimism’.
A final prediction:
It’s going to be a tight game and the ‘home’ advantage might count for very little. Extra time is a distinct possibility, making those odds of 11/5 for the draw look tempting. Spurs are due a little luck though, so how about a late winner to send them through to the Final?
