Previews and Predictions

Previews and predictions for Tottenham and Manchester United

Tottenham v Twente Eschede:
Tottenham has been through hell since their inclusion into the Champions League with the win over Young Boys.  Injuries have mounted and it looks as though they will be without several players.  Ledley King, Michael Dawson, Younes Kaboul and William Gallas are all injured, leaving only Sebastien Bassong available for selection. 
Twente is flying on cloud nine after getting a point versus defending champs, Inter.  20 year old Dutch striker Luuk De Jong has scored 4 goals so far this year and has looked in amazing form so far.  Look for Twente to put forth a very aggressive attack versus a damaged Spurs squad. 

Prediction:  As much as it pains me to do it, I just dont think Tottenham can hang with this Dutch squad that is playing great ball.  Twente 2 Tottenham 1.


Manchester United v Valencia
Manchester United gave forth a poor effort versus a Rangers squad that they should have dominated and won by multiple goals.  Maybe that is the Red Devils that exist anymore.  Man U has struggled mightily in Spain and must change that in order to win their group.  Dimitar Berbatov will definately be on the roster today after the curious decision to leave him off in the opening match.

Valencia is leading an incredibly difficult Spanish League 5 matches into the season, leading over Real Madrid and Barcelona.  Valencia has a wide choice of offensive players that excel at putting the ball in the net with Costa, Aduriz, Pablo, and Soldado all scoring in the opening match.  Look for a chess match type game that Valencia looks for an opening to strike versus Man U.

Prediction:   Look for Man U to try to take control early in this match and show that the Rangers game was a fluke.  Valencia has not faced the upper echelon of the SPL so this will be their first match versus a "big dog" in football.  I am going out on a bit of a cliff right here and thinking that Man U will shore up their defense for this important affair.  Manchester United 2 Valencia 1.