Two top-four hopefuls with many questions still to answer hope to take a big step in moving back up the table when Manchester United host Tottenham at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Both sides have secured just two wins each through the first five Premier League match weeks of the season, leaving them mid-table amidst paltry early returns.
United also endured more trouble in Europe in midweek, as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Twente in a game that did little to silence the critics of boss Erik ten Hag.
Tottenham, meanwhile, fared significantly better, as they brushed aside Qarabag 3-0 to begin their own Europa League adventure.
There is plenty on the line for Ten Hag and Ange Postecoglou, as they seek to gain some early-season momentum on Sunday.
The Sporting News takes a look at the likely lineups and latest team news for this weekend's Premier League clash.
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Man United vs. Tottenham lineups, predicted starting 11, team news
Manchester United boss Ten Hag was aggressive in defending his decision to rest Marcus Rashford last time out in the Premier League, and he returned to start in the Europa League draw with Twente, so he should be fit to go here as well.
The Red Devils are still without their injured quartet of defenders Luke Shaw, Victor Lindelof, Tyrell Malacia, and new signing Lenny Yoro. Shaw and Lindelof are expected to be back in October, but the other two will be a bit longer.
Mason Mount returned to action against Twente and could again be involved here, although may have to settle for a place on the bench.
Man United predicted 11 (4-2-3-1, right to left): Onana (GK) — Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot — Mainoo, Eriksen — Rashford, Fernandes, Garnacho — Hojlund
Injured: Shaw, Yoro, Malacia, Lindelof
Suspended: None
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Tottenham boss Postecoglou has made a tactical tweak to his formation moving James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski into a midfield pivot, to great effect last time out in the Premier League against Brentford. Unless the Spurs boss bails on that new tactic, those two should continue in their new roles.
Brazilian striker Richarlison is still sidelined for another month with a muscle injury, while young upstart Wilson Odobert picked up a hamstring injury in the EFL Cup match against Coventry City.
Radu Dragusin should be available despite being sent off in the midweek win over Qarabag — as his ban will only apply to European competition — but he is unlikely to make the starting lineup given his poor performance in that game, having been dismissed inside the first seven minutes of the match.
Tottenham predicted 11 (4-3-3, right to left): Vicario (GK) — Porro, Romero, van de Ven, Udogie — Kulusevski, Betancur, Maddison — B. Johnson, Solanke, Son
Injured: Richarlison, Odobert
Suspended: None
Man United vs. Tottenham live stream, TV channel
Here's how to watch this Premier League match across selected areas of the world's major regions:
| Region | TV | Streaming |
| USA | USA Network | Fubo |
| Canada | — | Fubo Canada |
| UK | Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League | Sky Sports |
| Australia | — | Optus Sport |
| India | Star Sports Select 1 | Jio TV, Disney+ Hotstar |
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