Manchester United Fans Club

Manchester United will play Tottenham for the second time in a space of just a week time. United will travel to White Hart Lane and look to make it two wins against Spurs after last Sunday’s 3-1 FA Cup fourth-round victory at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils barely broke sweat in seeing off Portsmouth on Wednesday night and with Ronaldo in such a glittering form, netting both goal in the early match to bring his tally to 27th goals of the campaign.

Sir Alex Ferguson is poised to make a changes to the starting eleven, with Ryan Giggs, Carloz Tevez and Owen Hargreaves having being left out in the midweek win, they will hope to be included in the game against resilient Juande Ramos’ side.

Louis Saha (knee) and Gary Neville (ankle) remain sidelined as United look to kick on towards a second successive title after taking 27 points from a possible 30.

Ferguson believes his team are heading towards a second successive title because of their all-round strength. A possible second treble as well with United having their strongest squad available for the second half of the season.

The glittering trio of Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Tevez have hogged the headlines. While Ferguson has revelled in their attacking exploits, he feels the defence has been overlooked with United having conceded only 11 goals in 24 league games going into the match.

Ferguson said: “I must put in a complimentary word for our defence, which is doing even better than last season.

“Our title success then was based on a solid foundation at the back with just 27 goals conceded in the Premier League.

“We are well into the second half of the current season and we are well on track (to beat it).

“There is a good understanding of the importance of the defensive part of our game right through the team.”

Meanwhile, Alan Hutton is set to make his Tottenham debut in the Barclays Premier League match against Manchester United at White Hart Lane.

The Scottish international was believed to have interested the English champions but sealed an £8million move to the capital this week. Hutton has revealed new boss Juande Ramos’ role in tempting him from Ibrox.

“What influenced my decision was a lot to do with coming down and meeting the head coach and hearing his plans for the club,” he said. “That helped me make up my mind.

“Leaving Rangers was a decision I had to take time to think about, and it was hard for me having grown up supporting the club as well as playing for them for many years.

“It was a hard decision - but I think it’s the right one overall. “The Premier League is one of the best in the world, and everybody knows that - so I think you have to take the step down here to show people what you’ve got.

“I think I’ve got good attributes in terms of getting forward and hope I can add them to the team.”

Jonathan Woodgate is also in the squad after his midweek signing from Middlesbrough, and Gilberto is thought to be available after arriving from Hertha Berlin.

Ledley King missed Wednesday’s clash against Everton and is being assessed to determine whether he will be ready, while Darren Bent (knee) has been edging closer to fitness. Gareth Bale (foot) and Benoit-Assou Ekotto (knee) remain sidelined, Didier Zokora is on international duty.

United probable line up: Van der Sar (G), Wes Brown (D), Nemanja Vidic (D), Rio Ferdinand (D), Patrice Evra (D), Michael Carrick (M) Paul Scholes (M), Cristiano Ronaldo (M), Ryan Giggs (M), Carlos Tevez (F) , Wayne Rooney (F).

Venue: White Hart Lane, 15:00 UK
Predict Score: Tottenham Hotspurs 1 - 2 Manchester United