Kulusevski has proved himself a difficult challenge for defenders to deal with drawing 1.3 fouls per game- more than any other Spurs player.

He will likely be up against Ugarte in the centre of the midfield who commits more fouls than any other United player averaging 1.56 per game. This selection seems a safe one given these factors.

Fernandes though playing a bit deeper in recent weeks remains United’s primary shot taker. He averages 2.8 per game and tends to have a pop if presented with any space.

Tottenham are often guilty of leaving gaps in front of the defence which suits this bet, and in general they tend to concede a high volume of shots averaging 12.8 shots conceded per game in the league.

Manchester United tend to give away lots of freekicks potentially due to their lack of structure in a lot of games. Their players have struggled with discipline throughout the season, committing 11.17 fouls per game. This bodes well for Tottenham who are one of the most fouled teams in the league, winning an average of 12.96 fouls per game.

Given these trends, along with the evenly matched nature of this contest—where both sides are likely to battle for possession in midfield—United can be expected to commit a significant number of fouls, likely exceeding their season average.

Tottenham’s matches this year have been high-scoring affairs, with an average of 3.54 total goals per game. Spurs themselves have scored 2.00 goals per match while conceding 1.54, highlighting their attacking strength as well as defensive vulnerabilities. This has especially been the case at home where they have conceded nearly 2 goals a game. Meanwhile, United’s games have averaged 2.58 goals, with their defense conceding a significant 1.42 per match.

With Spurs’ strong home attacking record (2.25 goals per game) coupled with United’s defensive struggles and their own at home, this match has all the makings of another high-scoring encounter. Given both teams’ tendencies to create and allow shots on target (Spurs: 5.38 for, 4.50 against; United: 4.46 for, 4.00 against), at least three goals seem highly probable.

Maguire has received 7 yellow cards this season, the second most of any player in this game and has averaged 1.08 fouls per 90. He tends to get frustrated with referees and with the new stricter laws on dissent has found himself victim to an increased number of cards.

With this game likely to be a tight one we can expect emotions to be running high and a busy day of defending for Harry Maguire who could easily receive a card along the way.

Dejan Kulusevski is a solid candidate to register a shot on target in this matchup, especially given the venue, with Tottenham’s strong attacking displays at home averaging 2.25 goals per game. This combined with Manchester United’s defensive struggles- they have consistently allowed a high volume of shots against them this season- provides this bet with further value. Kulusevski has remained a key figure in Spurs’ attack despite his shift into a more central midfield role.

He has contributed six goals this season, while also ranking highly among Tottenham players in shot attempts, averaging 1.6 per game, with 0.65 shots on target per 90 minutes. His ability to influence the final third remains significant, and given the circumstances, he has a strong chance of hitting the target in this game.

This one looks like a banker with both teams having capable attacking personnel as well as tendencies for defensive shortcomings. Spurs have scored in all but 1 of their home games this season, averaging over 2 goals per match, but they also concede frequently, allowing 1.54 goals per game.

Manchester United, despite their poor form, has still managed to find the net in most matches averaging 1.17 goals per game. Spurs allow an average of 4.50 shots on target per game, and given United’s quality in attack with players like Bruno and Amad, they should have enough chances to capitalize themselves.

Manchester United has averaged 4.46 shots on target per game this season, and against a Spurs side that concedes 4.50 shots on target per match, they should have ample opportunities to test the goalkeeper.

Tottenham’s expansive style often leaves them exposed defensively, allowing opponents to create chances and they concede an average of 12.8 shots per game. With United’s attacking players looking to exploit these spaces, reaching five or more shots on target seems well within their capability, especially in what is expected to be a closely contested match.