Tottenham have been prolific scorers in recent matches, netting exactly two goals in each of their last four games across all competitions.

This has been no fluke. Across these matches they have posted 7.81xG, so there has been very little underperformance. In three of these four games, they have had over 2xG, showing that they are consistently creating scoring opportunities. Indeed, across their last 11 matches, they have been under 1xG on only one occasion.

Man United’s defensive numbers have been unimpressive. They have only kept three clean sheets in the Premier League all season, and though one of these came against Man City, recent games suggest that they will struggle to replicate that.

United have given up two goals in each of their last two games, disguising their defensive issues by the fact that they have managed to improve offensively, and score three times in each of these games. Fulham, for example, generated 2.39xG last weekend, and Arsenal posted 1.27 the previous week. With the United averaging 1.31xGA per game this season, Spurs are a good price to take advantage.

The Brazillian has looked fantastic under the stewardship of Michael Carrick. He came off the bench against City to assist Patrick Dorgu’s goal. He had to bide his time, as he was then benched for the Arsenal game - but again, climbing off the bench to have an impact, as he netted a stunning strike to win the game.

His reward was a start at home to Fulham, where he converted early in the second half for his sixth of the season.

He’s full of confidence right now, and that’s when Cunha is at his best. He’s been playing off the left, which allows him to step inside and get shots off, which he loves to do, and we saw that to full effect against Arsenal.

This selection has landed in seven of his last nine starts and he’s averaging 1.45 SoT per 90 minutes.

His shot volume is also very big too, which is always a benefit, and as mentioned that speaks to the fact that he is happy to try the spectacular.

Cunha has averaged 3.69 shots per 90, the highest in the United squad. He’s had 60 total shots, which is 11 more than the next closest player which is Bruno Fernandes.

It’s also a nice one to be covered by super sub. Cuha was replaced by Sesko last time out, who averages 1.68 SoT per 90, the highest in the united squad.

Across all competitions this season, only Richarlison (52) has had more shots for Tottenham than Xavi Simons’ 47. He is averaging 2.22 per 90 minutes and after having five against Man City last weekend, it’s clear he’s on an upward trajectory.

Simons has had 20 shots across his last six matches for Spurs, having at least two in each game. It's also worth noting that he has hit the target in five of the last six, which is on offer at 1.91. United have not been particularly solid under Michael Carrick. In the three games he has overseen, his side have faced 36 shots at an average of 12 per game – their season-average in this regard is 11.2.

They have only faced 14+ shots in eight Premier League games, and two of these have been under Carrick. Simons is Spurs’ main attacking outlet and will carry the threat here.

Gallagher is back in the Prem, and we know what he’s all about. He’s aggressive, combative and a relentless presser of the ball. Spurs have bite in midfield already with the likes of Palhinha, Bissouma and Bentancur but Gallagher blends that with his mobility to bring a different dynamic to the team.

He arrives having spent his recent years under the stewardship of Diego Simeone. At Atleti this season, Gallagher was averaging a huge 2.40 fouls per 90 minutes. He fouled three times in last Sunday’s draw with Man City and also committed two fouls in his first appearance back in the Premier League, when Spurs were beaten by West Ham.

That 2.40 average isn’t something new, either. In his last stint in the Premier League, Gallagher was averaging 2.39 fouls per 90 for Chelsea. Man United draw good foul numbers in the centre of the pitch, too. Bruno Fernandes draws 1.35 per 90, and we know how much he can wind opposition players up, especially in big names.

The set double pivot for United seems to be Casemiro and the re-vitalised Kobbie Mainoo. They both draw a decent number of fouls as well at 1.16 and 1.07, respectively.

I’m a big fan of Sesko and have stuck with him despite the criticism he’s received from fans and media this season. Sesko has all the qualities to be a top Premier League striker, and we’ve seen glimpses of his quality throughout the campaign with the former Leipzig forward now needing to find a level of consistency in his game.

Sesko’s shot volume, power and aerial ability make him a magnet for chances. He’s scored five goals in the Premier League across his 11 starts in the competition, including the winner against Fulham last time out in a 16 minute cameo. One of the most impressive parts of Sesko’s game is how often he’s finding the target with his efforts - he’s had 41 shots in the Premier League this season (3.46 per 90), with 20 of them finding the target (1.69 per 90).

I think Carrick may lean towards Sesko to lead the line here given his positive recent form, as well as the fact that Tottenham are expected to line up in a back three here - meaning that Sesko would be a better option to occupy those three centre backs than someone like Mbeumo. Sesko has scored in each of his last two starts for Manchester United, with those goals coming against Brighton in the FA Cup and Burnley in the league.

Simons was always going to be a player that took a bit of time to adapt to the increased physicality and speed of the Premier League, but it looks like he’s starting to settle and was particularly instrumental in Tottenham’s fight back against Manchester City last weekend.

Simons had five shots in that clash, two of which managed to find the target. He also picked up an assist, and created more chances than any other player on the pitch (4). It’s important that Simons kicks on from that display, he’s capable of being the player that Tottenham look to when they need to create something special but his performances have been too erratic for the Lilywhites to fully put their trust in him this season.

Simons’ display against Manchester City last time out highlights just how willing the Tottenham player is to take aim at goal. He’s had 26 shots across his 13 starts in the Premier League this season (1.95 per 90), with seven of these efforts finding the target (0.53 per 90).

I do expect Tottenham to get chances here, Fulham managed to have six shots on target last weekend and were very unlucky to lose the game so there are weaknesses in the United side that Simons can look to exploit, despite their recent upturn in form.

Harry Maguire has played the full 90 minutes in all three of Michael Carrick’s games in charge of Manchester United so far. He’s picked up one yellow card across these fixtures, which was sustained against Fulham last time out as Maguire became embroiled in a battle with Raul Jimenez - making four tackles and committing one foul.

Maguire picked up seven yellow cards across his 19 appearances for Manchester United in the Premier League last season - so we can expect his cautions to stack up the longer he features in this Manchester United side. Maguire enjoys a physical battle with the opposition striker, and Solanke could tempt him into a really engaging clash here given his recent spurt of form and ability to win fouls.

Solanke won 36 fouls across his 25 starts in the Premier League last season (1.47 per 90) and has the movement to trouble a centre back like Maguire, who isn’t the most mobile. Solanke was fouled once against Manchester City last time out, and Tottenham should play in moments of transition here which is likely to leave Maguire as one of the last men against Solanke, opening the door to a caution via tactical fouls.