Cmon Harry, where's that magic wand?

Manager of the Month for August: Harry Redknapp
Player of the Month for August: Jermaine Defoe


Match of the Day
Tonight: Tottenham vs Manchester United

4 games, 4 wins.
The last time that happened was two years ago when Spurs went 5 unbeaten in a spell between February and April in the days of Jol.  Can Harry weave his magic and extend the run? (against Man United? The head says "No Way!" but the heart thinks otherwise)

11 Goals, 4 conceded
Averaging nearly 3 goals a game, Tottenham are looking good in attack.  And one of the main reasons why - Jermaine Defoe.  Currently joint top scorer with 4 goals, the little man is in the form of his life.  Will the Harry-Defoe combination work its wonders tonight?

0 Clean Sheets
As brilliant as Gomes can be, the Brazilian is more known for his erractic form.  Which side of Gomes can we expect tonight? (the same one that swept Glen Johnson off his feet I hope)  Defensive-wise, Spurs look vulnerable.  Wizard Harry has declared defensive lynchpin Ledley King as a doubt while Michael Dawson, Jonathan Woodgate and Gareth Bale are still sidelined.  Judging from previous matches, Bassong and Corluka are good in the air but slow on the ground, while Assou-Ekotto seems to be in the mould of a left sided Glen Johnson.  (Attack good... Defend hmm...)  Wilson Palacios will have to be on his best form to protect his defence.

Key Battles:

1. Wilson Palacios vs Darren Fletcher

Both players have become key figures for their clubs, effectively performing the same roles as a defensive shield for the defence and to break up attacks.  Whoever wins this battle essentially wins half the war for the team.  Absolutely key match-up in determining the outcome of the match.

   2.    Aaron Lennon vs Patrice Evra

What happens when two speed demons collide?  We'll find out in a few hours.  Lennon, it has to be said, is in the form of his life at the moment.  He is no longer the speedster who runs faster than he can think.  Credit to Magic Harry for polishing this raw diamond.  He gave Evra a torrid time in last season's League Cup final and has continued his fiery form throughout the start of this new campaign.  Evra will have his work cut out in order to stop Spurs' supply of crosses from the right.  That said, Evra himself ain't that bad up front either.  Both are definitely key figures in this match.

   3.    Robbie Keane & Jermaine Defoe vs Nemanja Vidic & Rio Ferdinand (if fit, fingers crossed)

Personally I feel that Harry might pull a rabbit out of a hat and start with Peter Crouch instead for this match.  There is no way little Keane and littler Defoe are going to win anything in the air with Vidic around.  Crouch has proved a real menace in the air; just watch the Birmingham match and you'll see that Crouch had 4 headers on target within minutes of coming on.  United would probably sit a little easier knowing Ferdinand is back providing his calming, assured influence.  Spurs look second best in this department.

It has to be noted that Tottenham will be sorely missing their creative spark in Luka Modric who is out with a broken leg.  Deadline signing Niko Kranjcar has to prove on his debut for his new club that he is a capable replacement for his fellow Croat.  I haven't said much about Rooney but yes, much of United's play has been shaped around the balding boy wonder, and if he can maintain this consistency that he has started this campaign with, then I wish Tottenham all the best. 

Verdict:

A hard-fought draw or a narrow United win.  Both teams come into this match in decent form but the key player who could make the difference will not be stepping onto the pitch today.  Much of Tottenham's attacking play flows through Luka Modric's feet, and we will have a glimpse today whether Tottenham can survive without him for the next two months. 

Prediction: Tottenham 1-2 Manchester United