Tottenham’s Best-Case Scenario Starting XI vs Man United and the Nightmare Possible XI

Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United have endured similarly embarrassing starts to the new Premier League season, but who will come out on top at Old Trafford on Saturday?

While it doesn’t get any worse than Spurs’ 20th position in the table, the Red Devils have already dropped points to Hull City, Everton, Man City, and Fulham. It’s no surprise that the match has already been subbed El Sackico, with both Roberto De Zerbi and Michael Carrick coming under mounting pressure.

Tottenham’s Two-Year Injury Crisis

Heading into the international break, Spurs finally looked to be breaking free of their two-year injury curse. While Wilson Odobert and Xavi Simons remain long-term absentees, the likes of Dejan Kulusevski, Mykhailo Mudryk, and Pedro Porro should all make their returns in the coming weeks.

Of course, in true Tottenham fashion, the international break did not get the memo. Only Spurs could lose not one but two Dutch centre-backs to injury within a matter of days. First, Jan Paul van Hecke picked up a knock when an opponent stood on his foot, then Micky Van de Ven sustained a freak wrist injury after Luka Jovic landed on him.

It’s a case of good news and bad news for De Zerbi. Good news – neither player is expected to be out for long. Bad news – it appears touch-and-go as to whether they will appear against Manchester United. So, how could the Tottenham Hotspur starting XI look with and without the centre-half duo? And will Roberto De Zerbi opt to use some of his fresh non-internationals over fatigued stars?

Worst-Case Tottenham XI to Face Manchester United

The worst-case scenario for Tottenham is that both captain Micky Van de Ven and new £52m signing Jan Paul van Hecke are not fit enough to start at Old Trafford. Remember, Spurs sold Luka Vuskovic and Cristian Romero, and loaned Kevin Danso to Sunderland in the summer.

That would almost guarantee that Tosin Adarabioyo and Marcos Senesi would have to start together for the first time in the heart of defence, along with makeshift right-back Archie Gray.

Spurs fans have been clamouring for James Maddison to start in the 10 for weeks now. Believe it or not, even Dejan Kulusevski – who has been missing for 18 months – started a Premier League game more recently than Maddison. The nightmare scenario for De Zerbi would be that, even after three weeks of training, Madders is still not ready.

With the likes of Rodrigo Bentancur, Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes, and Lucas Bergvall all away on international duty, there is also no guarantee that all will return fit enough to start.

(4-2-3-1) Antonin Kinsky; Archie Gray, Jan Paul van Hecke, Micky Van de Ven, Destiny Udogie; Rodrigo Bentancur, Mateus Fernandes, James Maddison; Savio, Dominic Solanke, Omar Marmoush.

Best-Case Spurs XI to Face Man United

Time to be a little more positive! Let’s say that all the internationals come back healthy, James Maddison is fit enough to finally start another Premier League game, and both Van de Ven and Van Hecke are passed fit. Unfortunately, even the best-case scenario doesn’t involve Porro being two weeks ahead of his recovery, or Kulusevski being fit enough to take part from the start.

(4-2-3-1) Antonin Kinsky; Archie Gray, Jan Paul van Hecke, Micky Van de Ven, Destiny Udogie; Rodrigo Bentancur, Mateus Fernandes, James Maddison; Savio, Dominic Solanke, Omar Marmoush.

Manchester United Have Their Own Injury Problems to Deal With

Fortunately for Spurs, they aren’t the only ones dealing with a mini-injury crisis during the international break. Man United have 10 doubts heading into the clash at Old Trafford on Saturday.

• Marcus Rashford pulled out of the England squad
• Kobbie Mainoo pulled out of the England squad
• Patrick Dorgu – Thigh injury
• Matthijs de Ligt – Lower back injury
• Noussair Mazraoui – Lower back injury
• Benjamin Sesko – Calf/shin injury
• Thomas Heaton – Thigh injury
• Manuel Ugarte – Knee injury
• Amad Diallo – Ankle injury
• Karl Darlow – Undisclosed injury