Two of the Premier League’s most inconsistent clubs clash in the EFL Cup quarterfinal as Tottenham host Manchester United in London’s newest ground on Thursday.
Both sides boast league table standings far below what their supporters would come to expect, with Spurs sitting 10th and Man United in 13th.
Tottenham have wrestled with the highs and lows of Ange Postecoglou’s high-energy style of play, thrashing Southampton 5-0 last time out but also falling 4-3 to Chelsea their prior league game. They are inundated with injuries at the moment, especially at the back where they are without both starting center-backs and their goalkeeper.
Man United appear to be steadily grasping Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 tactics, but their squad’s viability remains on a knife edge as he grapples with a group of players not suited for the approach.
MORE:Â A complete guide to betting on soccer in the United States
Tottenham vs. Man United prediction, odds
The Sporting News football betting expert Kyle Bonn shares his best bets, props, and high risk/high return fliers for some of the biggest matches in the sport each week. Since the start of 2024, his three-way moneyline predictions have hit 55% of the time, generating a profit of over 50 units thus far.
- Moneyline lean:Â Man United (+165 on BetMGM)
- Score prediction:Â Tottenham 1-2 Man United
From a game prediction standpoint, this match is extremely difficult to predict. Not only are the two clubs impossible to predict from a weekly basis, there’s the added wrinkle of being a League Cup match not knowing how each manager will approach the game from a rotational standpoint.
Likely, however, both teams will come in with as strong a lineup as possible, knowing this competition is their chance to salvage an already lost season. Spurs, especially, have little choice but to play their best available players given significant injury limitations.
United’s comeback win over rivals Man City last time out will give them a temporary boost of confidence, something Postecoglou’s side has struggled to maintain. Spurs will fall to a Man United side that became used to making the most of this competition under Erik ten Hag, largely thanks to their depleted defense.
| Â | BetMGM (USA) |
| Tottenham win | +130 |
| Draw | +290 |
| Man United win | +165 |
| Both teams to score |
Y: -275 N: +185 |
| Over / Under 3.5 goals |
O: -110 U: -130 |
| Tottenham -0.5 goals |
+120 |
| Man United +0.5 goals |
-165 |
Tottenham vs. Man United match facts
- Date:Â Thursday, December 19, 2024
- Kickoff Time:Â 8Â p.m. local (3Â p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT)
- Location:Â Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (London, England)
- Referee:Â John Brooks
- Last meeting: Man United 0-3 Tottenham (Sep. 29, 2024 | Premier League)
MORE: How to watch Tottenham vs. Man United in EFL Cup quarterfinals | Team news for Spurs vs. United
Tottenham vs. Man United best bet
Manchester United have not been shot merchants under either manager this season, but today’s opponents could present an opportunity. Spurs’ biggest weakness under Ange Postecoglou has been getting back in transition, and sporting a thin back line without both Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero, they could be under fire.
Spurs are averaging over 14 shots conceded in their last seven Premier League games since the start of November, and were repeatedly under pressure in their recent Europa League match against Rangers. They even gave up 14 shots to counter-attacking Fulham at home earlier this month, a club right around Man United’s shot volume.
Tottenham vs. Man United prop bet
- Pick:Â Amad Diallo to score or assist a goal
- Odds:Â +125 (FanDuel)
- Pick:Â Djed Spence to receive a yellow card
- Odds:Â +440 (FanDuel)
The goal totals for this one are juiced, with loads of goal chances expected between two high-energy sides with defensive frailties. Thus, we have to pinpoint individuals who may be well-positioned to contribute up front.
Yet the most electric of Man United stars under the new manager has been young Amad Diallo, who has looked a talent all season but has exploded to prominence since the departure of Erik ten Hag. While he looks an occasional threat to score, including his aforementioned late derby winner last time out, Diallo’s biggest asset is his creativity, amassing five assists in Premier League play alone in their last six games.
Incredibly, those five assists have come on just eight chances created, but the opportunities were all high-value attempts, meaning the 22-year-old is generating quality opportunities for this teammates.
With Diallo’s influence on the Man United right, look for great value in Djed Spence picking up a booking as well. He will likely be filling in for Destiny Udogie at left-back, his weaker side. Spence was booked earlier this year against the Red Devils filling in at the same position in their Premier League meeting.