Manchester United v Tottenham - Preview and possible lineups

Anna Woodberry 7 years ago 6.6k
Who will make it through to the FA Cup final? AFP

We take a look ahead to Saturday's FA Cup semi-final between Manchester United and Tottenham at Wembley. Kick off: 17:15 (GMT).

United: The 'Red Devils' have no new injury concerns going into the semi-final with goalkeeper Sergio Romero (leg) the only long-term absentee.

Following the 2-0 win over Bournemouth on Wednesday, expect the shining performers to feature in the starting XI while Romelu Lukaku and Nemanja Matic will most likely be promoted from the bench. 

Spurs: Danny Rose (calf) and Harry Winks (ankle) are both sidelined while Kyle Walker-Peters is a doubt with a hamstring problem.

Dele Alli should return to the set-up following his midweek rest in the win over Brighton. 

United boss Jose Mourinho on playing at Wembley:

"I played one cup final in Roma's stadium against Roma [as Inter coach in 2010] and I won, and I played a cup final in my stadium [at the Santiago Bernabeu in 2013, as Real Madrid coach] and I lost, so I think, when you go to these big moments with big decisions, semi-finals, finals, I don't think it's an advantage at all.

"In some countries, even the cup semi-final is played with a draw and you play home or away, not at a neutral ground, and that's just football.

"I look at Tottenham-Manchester United the same way I looked at Huddersfield, or Brighton. This time it's away but I don't see any advantage. It's the same as playing at Old Trafford."

Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino on the FA Cup:

"It's fantastic if Southampton, Chelsea, Manchester United or Tottenham will win the FA Cup."

"Is it going to change our life? I don't believe, I don't believe. Who needs it more, I don't know. We are going to try and fight to win.

"It would be fantastic to finish the season with a trophy. I don't think it's about need or not need."

Did you know?

The 'Red Devils' enjoy a great head-to-head record against Tottenham, winning 88. (D49, L51).

Spurs have lost each of their last seven FA Cup semi-final ties - the longest such run in the competition's history.

Form:

Prediction: 2-1

Possible lineups:

United: De Gea; Valencia, Bailly, Jones, Young; Matic, Pogba; Rashford, Lingard, Sanchez; Lukaku.

Spurs: Lloris; Davies, Vertonghen, Sanchez, Trippier; Dier, Dembele; Alli, Eriksen, Lamela; Kane.

Mentioned in the news story

Manchester United
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