Tottenham vs Manchester United Picks and Predictions: Maddison Sizzles in Spurs Home Opener

Two of the biggest names in English football reacquaint themselves on Saturday when Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United square off in London.

While it didn’t begin with a win, Spurs fans will be happy with the start of the Ange Postecoglou era. Tottenham fought back from a 2-1 deficit on the road vs. Brentford and looked like a much more cohesive and organized unit than a season ago despite the departure of their talisman in Harry Kane.

Fans of Manchester United are feeling the exact opposite after pulling out a nervy 1-0 win over Wolves to begin their campaign. Without a true striker in their lineup, it could be another long outing for their attack.

Can the Spurs get a win in their new manager’s first home outing, or will Manchester United make it six straight against Tottenham without defeat? We discuss all that and more in our Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester United picks and predictions for Saturday, August 19.  

Tottenham vs Manchester United best odds

Tottenham vs Manchester United picks and predictions

Manchester United will consider themselves extremely fortunate to have gotten the win on Monday, but it still boggles the mind how they managed to keep a clean sheet. The only home side on Matchday 1 to achieve that feat, the Red Devils conceded the second-most shots of any team.

Only Luton Town conceded more than the 20 attempts that Wolves managed on the day. In fact, Wolves had 42 shot-creating actions, which were the third-most in the league behind Brighton and Crystal Palace. Joao Gomes and Pedro Neto accounted for six each to lead Wolves, but they and their teammates simply couldn’t break through.

Only seven players had more shot-creating actions on Matchday 1, one of whom was James Maddison. The newly-signed midfielder from Leicester was outstanding on his debut with Tottenham, assisting on both of their goals and leading all players on the weekend with three goal-creating actions.

Maddison was at the heart of everything Tottenham did offensively in their 2-2 draw with Brentford. He registered six key passes, the second-most of any player on the opening weekend, and had seven progressive passes, which were the second-most on the squad.

While he completed just four of his 13 long pass attempts, Maddison was adept at finding teammates in space, and completed six passes into the final third. He also had 12 crosses, the third-highest amount in the league, in part because he took all six of Tottenham’s corners.

That’s why our best bet on Saturday is a bit of a risk/reward play. Maddison is getting +340 at FanDuel to assist another goal against Manchester United, and that’s a price we can’t pass up. It’s not just because of what he did against Brentford, although the numbers show why he’s a good threat to be involved in setting up a teammate to score.

Manchester United’s biggest issue against Wolves was the play in midfield. Mason Mount simply didn’t look settled, and he was often found pushing into the same territory as Bruno Fernandes. Making matters worse was the play of Casemiro. He looked a step slow, was often found pushing too far forward, and took himself out of numerous plays with failed lunging challenges.

The Red Devils got away with that play against Wolves partly because their back line bailed them out a few times, but also because Wolves simply lacked the finishers to turn those breaks into goals. 

Tottenham doesn’t have that problem. If Manchester United turns it over and lets Maddison find people like Heung-min Son, Richarlison, and Dejan Kulusevski in space, it’s going to be a long day for the visitors.

For those reasons, we’re backing the Spurs midfielder to capitalize and cash in on a very high-priced value play. 

My best bet: James Maddison to assist (+340 at FanDuel)

Tottenham vs Manchester United same-game parlay

James Maddison anytime assist

Tottenham and Draw Double Chance

Over 2.5 goals

Both teams to score Yes

+699 at FanDuel

Considering what our best bet is priced at, it won’t take much to bump up our same-game parlay. So we’re keeping it simple here and adding a few additional plays at FanDuel.

Despite the departure of Harry Kane, the Spurs looked dangerous going forward last weekend. They totaled 18 shots, with six going on frame, and that was despite Son and Richarlison taking just two each. But they were dangerous on set pieces, with Cristian Romero opening the scoring off a corner. 

Meanwhile, Manchester United are still trying to figure out where goals are coming from. Raphael Varane managed a late winner off a crossed ball, but Marcus Rashford looked lost at striker, Alejandro Garnacho was off the pace without Luke Shaw overlapping him, and Bruno was missing in action for large stretches. 

That’s why we’re taking the Spurs to get a result. They look like the better side so far, and while Man United may have more talent on paper, they’re still looking less cohesive than the Spurs.

Now, all that said, neither team is likely to keep a clean sheet. We discussed Man United’s issues last week, but the Spurs conceded two goals in less than 10 minutes before halftime, including one from a penalty. They’re also going to be without Romero, who came out with a concussion moments after scoring his goal. 

Not only will we not see a clean sheet, but it’s likely we will see three or four goals. Things should be more wide-open for Man United, akin to how they were in the Brentford/Spurs match. 

Last year’s fixture in London featured a 2-2 final score, and five of the last six meetings have had at least three goals scored. We’ll back the same to take place as we hit a same-game parlay paying nearly +700.

Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.

Tottenham vs Manchester United spread and Over/Under analysis

Tottenham drew 2-2 with Brentford last week, but they come into their home debut as underdogs on the 3-way line. Man United are +135 with the Spurs getting a price of +185, while the draw is a distant +280 selection. 

Man United have not lost to Tottenham in their last five meetings, winning four straight before a 2-2 draw in April. The Spurs have also gone winless in their last five matchups at home. 

Both sides could be without starting Argentine defenders, as Cristian Romero is expected to miss proceedings with a concussion, and Lisandro Martinez is dealing with an ankle issue. 

Both Man United and Tottenham have seen their price go up since the lines opened, while the odds of the draw increase. But that could be to your benefit. 

Spurs draw-no-bet is plus odds and is what I’d wager on personally if I were choosing a side. As we discussed above, they look the more balanced and prepared side, and Man United are still trying to find a reliable goal-scoring threat. 

As for the total, you’ll find strong juice on the Over 2.5 with a price of -185 on offer. The Over 3 Total on the Asian market does offer you a better price at -115 and would protect you if only three goals are scored, versus playing the Over 3.5 number. 

If I were playing a total that’s the way I’d go, but otherwise I’d avoid it at this price. 

Tottenham vs Manchester United game info

Tottenham vs Manchester United key injuries

Tottenham: Cristian Romero D (Doubtful), Ryan Sessegnon D (Out), Rodrigo Bentancur M (Out). 
Manchester United: Rasmus Hojlund F (Out), Lisandro Martinez D (Questionable), Kobbie Mainoo M (Out).

Tottenham vs Manchester United recent form

Teams	Last five matches
Tottenham	D
Manchester United	W

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