EFL Cup Semi-Final Spot Up for Grabs as Manchester United Face Tottenham Hotspur
The 2024/25 EFL Cup quarter-finals conclude on Thursday with an electrifying clash between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. This high-stakes encounter promises thrilling football as both teams vie for a spot in the semi-finals.
Road to the Quarter-Finals
Manchester United booked their place in the EFL Cup quarter-finals with dominant victories over Barnsley and Leicester City. Despite some inconsistent performances under manager Ruben Amorim, their recent comeback win against Manchester City has injected confidence into the squad.
On the other hand, Tottenham Hotspur secured their quarter-final spot after overcoming Coventry City and Manchester City in hard-fought 2-1 wins. Ange Postecoglou’s side has had a mixed run of form recently but bounced back emphatically with a 5-0 thrashing of Southampton last weekend.
Recent Meetings
The two sides have already met this season, with Tottenham claiming a resounding 3-0 victory at Old Trafford. Thursday’s game provides United with a chance for revenge while Spurs aim to maintain their upper hand.
Team News and Predicted Lineups
Tottenham Hotspur
Ange Postecoglou faces significant injury challenges, with up to nine first-team players sidelined. Key names like Destiny Udogie, Cristian Romero, and Richarlison are unavailable, while Yves Bissouma returns from suspension.
Tottenham will likely set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Fraser Forster in goal. The defensive lineup could feature Pedro Porro, Archie Gray, Radu Dragusin, and Djed Spence. In midfield, Bissouma should partner Pape Matar Sarr, while James Maddison takes the creative role. Dejan Kulusevski and Brennan Johnson are expected on the wings, with Son Heung-min leading the attack.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Forster; Porro, Gray, Dragusin, Spence; Bissouma, Sarr; Kulusevski, Maddison, Johnson; Son
Manchester United
Ruben Amorim’s squad is also dealing with injuries, with Mason Mount and Luke Shaw sidelined. Noussair Mazraoui might be rested, leaving space for Diogo Dalot and Tyrell Malacia as wing-backs in a 3-4-2-1 setup.
Andre Onana will guard the net, supported by a central defensive trio of Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire, and Lisandro Martinez. Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro will anchor the midfield, while Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo provide attacking creativity. Joshua Zirkzee, who impressed with a brace against Everton, is expected to lead the line.
Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Onana; Yoro, Maguire, Martinez; Dalot, Mainoo, Casemiro, Malacia; Diallo, Fernandes; Zirkzee
Key Stats
- Tottenham are unbeaten in their last four games against Manchester United, including a dominant 3-0 win earlier this season.
- Tottenham have advanced from their last four EFL Cup quarter-finals.
- Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho leads the EFL Cup charts this season with three goals and three assists, matching a feat last achieved by Kevin De Bruyne in 2015/16.
Player to Watch: Joshua Zirkzee
With Rasmus Højlund established as United’s first-choice striker, Joshua Zirkzee is eager to make his mark. His brace against Everton showcased his potential, but he’ll need to deliver consistently to challenge for the starting spot. Can Zirkzee step up in this crucial encounter?
Prediction:
Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Manchester United
How to Watch Tottenham vs Manchester United
Watch online via NaijaSport247 TV
