In recent years drama has enveloped fixtures between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. Thrilling comebacks and goals galore - usually in United's favour - have either been spoiled, or prompted, by dubious penalties, debatable red cards and a Pedro Mendes "goal" that never was. The defections of Spurs players Michael Carrick and Dimitar Berbatov to United have only added to the drama.
The Londoners' prefect start this season, their best since 1960, has upped the stakes. United - the beneficiaries of questionable referees' verdicts in recent matches - will again need Lady Luck's blessing if they are to avoid becoming Spurs' eighth straight victim at home. Harry Redknapp's side are unbeaten at the Lane since last November, and only an injury-time goal from Carlos Tevez saw Sir Alex Ferguson's men scrape a fortunate 1-1 draw in February.
Redknapp will be buoyed by his side's form. Spurs are a different proposition to Juande Ramos' beleaguered outfit of 12 months ago. For the visitors, three wins in four games has camouflaged United's tame start form-wise. Ferguson's side have yet to click in to gear, and with Liverpool losing in London a few weeks ago, United will do well to avoid a similar fate. Both sides have injury worries. For Spurs, centre-back Sebastien Bassong - a revelation alongside captain Ledley King this term - is a doubt. The Cameroon international picked up a knock on international duty this week.
Bassong's knee injury adds to Redknapp's dilemma at the heart of his defence, with Jonathan Woodgate and Michael Dawson already long-term absentees. Vedran Corluka is the most likely replacement, with Scottish full-back Alan Hutton deputising for the Croat at right-back. Luka Modric is also out with a broken leg, and Redknapp needs a rejuvenated Aaron Lennon, who starred for England against Croatia, to provide ammunition for Jermaine Defoe and one from Robbie Keane, Peter Crouch and Roman Pavlyuchenko.
Defensive concerns head Ferguson's worries too. John O'Shea was injured for the Republic of Ireland in midweek, and joins Jonny Evans and Gary Neville on the sidelines. Rio Ferdinand could return. With an absence of top-class defenders, the Lane could be the place for goals today. emegson@thenational.ae Showsports 2, KO 8.30pm
