Premier League gameweek 10 is upon us!
And Manchester United‘s home tussle with high-flying Tottenham is a fixture to set the pulses racing!
Here, we look at three key player battles that could go a long way to deciding where the game will be won and lost.
Who do you think will win at Old Trafford?
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ANTONIO VALENCIA V DELE ALLI
The Colombian full-back has well and truly answered United’s calling for a first-class right-back and is an indispensable figure in Jose Mourinho’s side.
Valencia’s pace, agility and ability to push forward and defend well should make for an intriguing tussle with Alli, who likes to drift and create from the left-hand side.
After a stop-start beginning to his season, the England international turned on the afterburners against Liverpool last time out and looks to be getting close to his best level.
He also netted in the surprise midweek Carabao Cup defeat to West Ham. Whoever comes out on top here could go a long way to deciding which team wins this one.
Valencia is United’s mainstay at right-back.
ANDER HERRERA V ERIC DIER
In the absence of the injured Marouane Fellaini, Spaniard Herrera has come into his own in midfield and apparently settled his issues off-the-pitch with Jose Mourinho.
The central midfielder’s work-rate and willingness to do the dirty work, as well as get forward and support United’s forward players, will be crucial to the hosts.
But the diminutive former Athletic Bilbao star will need to get the better of north London enforcer Eric Dier, who will again have the job of steering Spurs’ engine room.
Both players are more than capable of making their mark in Manchester on Saturday, but Herrera has the edge given he has more attacking stars around him and Spurs are without a certain injured Harry Kane.
Dier is a key man in Mauricio Pochettino’s midfield.
ROMELU LUKAKU V TOBY ALDERWEIRELD
This should be a pulsating contest and expect Alderweireld to channel the defensive disappointment he felt from conceding three goals to a beleaguered West Ham outfit on Wednesday, into producing a rock solid display at Old Trafford.
Apart from that blip earlier in the week, the Belgian has been vital for a Spurs side that have only shipped six Premier League goals all campaign.
While marshalling compatriot Lukaku may well be his toughest assignment in 10 matches so far, he will be buoyed by the fact the 24-year-old has failed to score in his previous two league matches and lost some of that early season zip.
These two know each other well and I fancy Alderweireld to make sure the former Everton striker is in for a tough afternoon.
Alderweireld marshalled Spurs’ defence in the win over Liverpool.
