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Manchester United versus Tottenham Hotspur sees two of the Premier League’s chasing pack go head-to-head this weekend. Both sides harboured title plans at the start of this Premier League season and, if they are being completely realistic about their campaign, defeat this weekend will likely see the end of any such ambitions.

Separated by six points, Manchester United need a victory to even stay in touch with the top four, while Spurs look set to at least compete for Champions League qualification. Neither side is quite where they envisaged they would be at this point of the season and both have suffered their fair share of European strife, too.

Jose Mourinho and Mauricio Pochettino know this could be a defining point in their respective campaigns. With so much to lose and, frankly, not all that much to gain, this is a match that seems destined for a cagey, low-scoring affair. That prediction could well be miles from the mark, mind.

So, if things are going to get tense, let’s cheer it up a bit with a combined XI…

GK – David de Gea

As wonderful as Hugo Lloris has been this season, David de Gea just about pips him to the goalkeeping spot. Lloris’ heroics have been spectacular, but De Gea’s role in the little success Manchester United have had over the last few seasons has been enormous.

While both register in the league’s top three stoppers, De Gea is the favourite right now. Perhaps Lloris would have greater opportunities to show how good he is if the Spurs defence was less secure.

RB – Kyle Walker

Kyle Walker has dramatically come of age in the last couple of seasons. From a haphazard defender with pace to compensate, Walker has become one of the Premier League’s best right-backs.

Not only improved defensively, Walker has matured in possession. Although Antonio Valencia has had a strong start to this season, the former Wigan man would not be getting in many sides ahead of Walker.

CB – Toby Alderweireld

Centre-backs don’t come much better than Toby Alderweireld in the modern game. The rock that led Spurs’ title challenge last season has been sorely missed of late, but should return to the Lilywhites’ side this weekend.

His reading of the game is exceptional, his distribution is reliable and there are few calmer players in the Premier League. Manchester United sure could do with a defender like Alderweireld, but so could most teams. If anyone doubts how good he is, just look at Spurs’ defending in his absence.

CB – Eric Bailly

Having returned to the side for Manchester United’s game against Zorya Luhansk, Eric Bailly could well feature at the heart of the defence on Sunday. With Phil Jones showing significant improvement and Marcos Rojo limiting his moments of insanity, Jose Mourinho’s defence has coped without Bailly.

That is not to say, however, that Bailly is anything less than a star in the making. The least publicised of Manchester United’s summer signings, the former Villarreal defender was secure throughout the opening games of his Manchester United career and looks a real talent.

LB – Danny Rose

Luke Shaw and Daley Blind have both had their chances at left-back for Manchester United, but neither have looked as good as Danny Rose for the majority of this season. Like his compatriot Kyle Walker, Rose has improved dramatically as a defender over the last couple of years.

Rose has endured fluctuations with form, as most of Spurs’ players have, yet his place in this combined XI is almost unrivalled. If only Shaw could hold down a regular place in the side…

CM – Paul Pogba

Paul Pogba’s position in this team was hardly in doubt. Despite detractors for his performances this season, Pogba is still one of the world’s best players. His quality has been on show throughout his time at Manchester United and he is only going to improve.

Pogba’s age might be an easy excuse for some, but the Frenchman’s price tag should be forgotten – he is a young midfielder. His role will become more defined with time, he will show his worth and Manchester United are fortunate to have him.

CM – Mousa Dembele

Few sporting sights are as remarkable as Mousa Dembele shielding the ball. Taking possession and blocking any threats like his life depends on it, Spurs’ possession is not only more secure, but more fluid when Dembele is in the side.

His role has developed through his career, but he has finally found his niche at Spurs. A player that will seldom grab headlines, Dembele – like so many excellent deep midfielders – is most noticeable when he isn’t there.

CAM – Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Yet to have a prolonged period of his best form at Manchester United, Henrikh Mkhitaryan still warrants a place in this side. His quality, which we have seen glimmers of recently, is a gift to the Premier League.

Mkhitaryan’s form during 2015/16 was as good as anyone in Europe and his ability to create, beat players and score goals makes him one of the very best attacking midfielders around. Mourinho might just be easing him into regular action, but Manchester United will look a different side once he is fully firing.

 RAM – Juan Mata

With poor form troubling Anthony Martial, Dele Alli, Marcus Rashford and Christian Eriksen for much of this season, its impossible to overlook Juan Mata.

The under-rated genius in the star-studded Manchester United squad, Mata is the man for the big occasion. His goals and assist records continue to impress and few players have influenced big games as much as Mata over the last couple of years. He may not garner all the attention he deserves, but Manchester United are a better side with Mata.

LAM – Son Heung-Min

Between Manchester United and Tottenham there are several players that could feature in the attacking midfield line. Few, however, have performed as well as Son Heung-Min this season.

The former Bayer Leverkusen man has suffered with inconsistency of performance at times, but his scoring exploits have kept Spurs’ heads above water for much of the season. Others could well stake a claim, but his form this campaign gets Son a place in the side.

ST – Harry Kane

Zlatan Ibrahimovic will be unimpressed that Harry Kane has beaten him to the no. 9 spot and you can’t really blame him. Saying that, Kane’s form since his injury has been as good as anyone’s and Ibrahimovic’s own limitations continue to restrict Manchester United.

Its not an easy decision, of course, but recent performances mean that Kane just about nips Zlatan to the jersey. In an ideal world, you might just have Zlatan appearing off the bench when you’re chasing a goal.

The past twelve months have been something of a rollercoaster ride for Liverpool supporters.

The Merseysiders rather underachieved in the Premier League last season, before two cup finals (the Captial One Cup and Europa League) left Reds fans watering at the mouth regarding the club’s long-term future under Jurgen Klopp.

Nonetheless, this season has already been something special for supporters to savour as Klopp’s side have recorded Liverpool’s highest ever points tally for this stage of a Premier League campaign.

The Anfield outfit have suffered just two defeats in domestically and also find themselves in the semi-final of the Capital One Cup once more.

During this time, the Reds have mustered up some remarkable strikes. But which ones are the best? We have decided to open our vaults and count down the Merseysiders’ greatest goals from the calendar year.

Here are FIVE Liverpool goals that were the best in 2016 – let us know your favourite in the comments section below!

5. Emre Can – Bournemouth

Not many expected Bournemouth and Liverpool to become a Premier League classic when the two clubs met in November.

Despite the Reds suffering a last-minute 4-3 defeat to Eddie Howe’s side, one goal, in particular, lives long in the memory for supporters.

Emre Can’s wonder strike gave Klopp’s side a 3-1 lead after the German international beautifully curled the ball into the top corner from outside the box.

4. Dejan Lovren – Borussia Dortmund

It may not be the best technical goal of 2016, but Dejan Lovren’s stoppage time header against Borussia Dortmund saw the Reds overcome one of European football’s greatest sides and Klopp’s former club.

European nights at Anfield are always special and the game against the German outfit certainly falls into the category.

3. Philippe Coutinho – Arsenal

As far as free-kicks go, not many would be able to overcome the quality of Philippe Coutinho’s at the Emirates Stadium in August.

The Brazilian magician’s unstoppable shot didn’t allow Petr Cech a chance to prevent a moment of sheer brilliance in the Arsenal goal.

2. Jordan Henderson – Chelsea

Jordan Henderson doesn’t score many for the Merseysiders, but when he does, they always seem to be incredible strikes.

Henderson’s goal at Stamford Bridge this season was the difference between the two sides as Liverpool ran out 1-2 winners to inflict a first Premier League defeat upon Antonio Conte.

The Kopites will forever remember Henderson’s goal – an incredible shot that gave Thibaut Courtois no chance.

1. Sadio Mané – Arsenal

When you join one of the biggest clubs in world football for £36million fee, what’s the best way to silence your critics?

Simple. On your debut against one of your fellow title rivals, pick up the ball forty yards from goal, run at the heart of the defence, dance your way around it and fire an unstoppable shot to give your new team the victory.

Since then, nobody’s dared to claim Sadio Mane is overrated.

Anti-doping violations have dogged areas of the sporting world over the past year or so, and now Manchester City are facing punishment.

The Football Association announced on Wednesday that the two-time Premier League champions have been charged with misconduct, but the matter is in relation to the club itself rather than any player or individual. A statement read:

“Manchester City have been charged in relation to The FA’s Rules on Anti-Doping. It is alleged the club failed to ensure that their ‘Club Whereabouts’ information was accurate, contrary to Regulation 14(d). City have until 19 January 2017 to respond to the charge.”

No specific details have been released regarding the alleged violation, but it is important to point out that the charge is in no way related to rules set out by the World Anti-Doping Agency or UK Anti-Doping.

The alleged breach in question is solely under FA rules, which state that all clubs must keep the English governing body informed of their teams’ locations at all times. This is so that drug tests can be carried out appropriately.

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If found guilty, Pep Guardiola’s club will be punished, but Sky Sports News report that the club would most likely receive a fine rather than a ban.

The broadcaster also states that the charge is not related to the controversy surrounding Samir Nasri, who is being investigated over claims that he had intravenous drip treatment at a clinic in Los Angeles.

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West Ham fans have endured a difficult past few weeks, following the ultimatum from Dimitri Payet that saw the Frenchman refuse to play for the club and demand a January transfer, but it appears it may actually be for the better.Enjoying back-to-back victories against Crystal Palace and Middlesbrough, which has seen Slaven Bilic’s side rise into the top-half of the Premier League standings, West Ham seem to have stopped the rot- and the key has actually been the absence of the best player in their squad.

Remarkably, West Ham have won three of their four Premier League matches without Dimitri Payet in the side and have won just five of eighteen matches with the French international within their ranks- a stat that will certainly raise eyebrows.

It’s a good omen for the Hammers moving forward, as Payet’s exit seems inevitable, and West Ham will hope to continue their fine form of run going in upcoming matches against Manchester City, Southampton and West Brom.

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Tonight sees Hull City and Manchester United have the final say on the EFL Cup semi-finals, as the two sides partake in the second leg at the KCOM Stadium.

They may have endured a 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford, but Marco Silva will feel his side escaped relatively unscathed considering injuries forced him to choose just a six-man bench a fortnight ago.

Of course, turning around a 2-0 deficit, even when backed by the home support, is a pretty difficult challenge, especially when facing a club with the quality, finance and resources of Manchester United.

But the Tigers have been on a notable upward trajectory since Silva took the reigns from Mike Phelan at the start of January and FootballFanCast certainly aren’t ruling anything out before kick-off.

We are, however, as keen as ever to discover what the statistics can tell us to expect from tonight’s game. With that in mind, here’s a look at THREE key stats every Hull and Man United fan needs to know.

Hull a threat from set pieces

Hull may have scored the second-fewest goals of any Premier League side this term but if there’s one area where the Tigers are decisively potent, it’s at set pieces. Indeed, the Humbersiders rank joint-sixth in the Premier League in this regard, notably higher than Manchester United, and their three-at-the-back formation provides plenty of aerial dominance in the opposition box. In fact, their second-highest scorer in the top flight this term is centre-half Michael Dawson, with three goals from 14 outings.

Although he may not be the most popular figure amongst the Red Devils fan base, such threat at set pieces could call for the services of lanky midfielder Marouane Fellaini – especially considering only Watford have committed more fouls-per-match than United in the Premier League so far this season, so Hull will get chances from dead ball situations.

Majestic Maguire

Don’t be fooled by the ‘routine win’ connotations that come with a 2-0 scoreline. Hull gave as good as Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last weekend and were it not for the seeming inevitability of a second-bottom side travelling to the home of Premier League champions in waiting, they may well have come away from west London with a point or three to their name.

Crucial to their defiant performance was Harry Maguire, who finished the match with the most aerial duels won, tackles, clearances and interceptions of any player involved. He also ranked highest in terms of successful dribbles, took two shots at goal and laid on one chance for a team-mate, showing how impressive he was not only defensively but also when bringing the ball out of the back.

That could be pivotal when Manchester United come to town; assuming Jose Mourinho will stick with his usual 4-2-3-1 formation, the presence of a lone striker will give Maguire time to step forward on the ball.

History suggests only one result

This set of statistics will make particularly grim reading for Hull City fans. Rather incredibly, the Tigers have avoided defeat on just nine of the 30 occasions in which they’ve faced Manchester United, picking up wins on only five occasions, to produce an aggregate scoreline of 61-22. Their last win over the Red Devils came all the way back in 1974, with three of the remaining four predating World War Two. Indeed, history only suggests one result at the KCOM Stadium tonight – but if football has one divine gift, it’s the ability to produce surprises when we least expect it.

Jose Mourinho’s first season as Manchester United boss hasn’t been plain sailing. The Portuguese tactician started well with a Community Shield win and three Premier League victories on the spin, but a run of poor results through the Autumn months saw the Red Devils’ title hopes erode and has left them entrenched in sixth spot, despite their incredible December and January.

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Things are indeed looking up, but ‘Mou’ still has some selection headaches, with the left-back slot one he’s struggled to fill. The likes of Marcos Rojo, Luke Shaw and Matteo Darmian have all been given goes and most recently the responsibility has fallen on Dutchman Daley Blind, who has appeared to be out of favour at Old Trafford for much of the season so far.

Alas, the ex-Ajax man was at his classy best as Man United beat Saint-Etienne 3-0 in the first leg of their Europa League last 32 tie last night, hinting that he could be the answer in the position…

Blind turned in a sumptuous display against the Ligue 1 side, making 87% of his passes stick, while his five tackles won were the joint-most of any Man United player. As well as this, he laid on three key passes, showing that he is indeed a threat from deep.

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Paul Pogba may have required a world-record transfer fee, Michael Carrick may be regarded as one of the most underappreciated midfielders of his generation, but Ander Herrera is the man who keeps Manchester United’s engine room ticking over.

Indeed, the Spaniard operates as the perfect counterweight between the two, offering the mobility and tenacity Carrick can’t, and the defensive awareness that’s seemingly beyond the most expensive player in the world.

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That’s been the case all season and was evident once again yesterday as Manchester United required a late winner from Zlatan Ibrahimovic to steer past Southampton in the EFL Cup final – one of the most exciting English cup finals we’ve seen for some time.

Inevitably, the iconic Swede was grabbing the headlines this morning, having scored a superb free kick and nodded home to make it 3-2 with just three minutes left on the clock, but Herrera once again stood out in the middle of the park.

As our infographic shows, the Spaniard pressured the Saints defence with two crosses, two dribbles and two created chances – neither of which were converted – but also made vital contributions defensively, weighing in with the most tackles of any player involved in Sunday’s final.

He also finished up with 85 touches of the ball – only midfield partner Pogba made more with 86.

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One of the most intriguing narratives to come out of last night’s thrilling Champions League encounter between Monaco and Manchester City was the visible return to form of a certain Radamel Falcao. In truth, El Tigre has been in fine fettle all season for the Ligue 1 side as they chase a league title ahead of Paris Saint-Germain, though to impress so much on English soil would have been a wonderful feeling for the clinical Colombian.

Having played in Manchester United and Chelsea sides at sixes and sevens, the former Atletico Madrid and Porto forward looked the lost number nine in both red and blue, yet he has spearheaded the men from the Principality’s title surge with 16 league goals thus far.

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Despite missing a penalty last night at the Etihad Stadium, the 31-year-old striker produced a wonderful chip after shrugging off John Stones, with the sheer audacity to try and lob Willy Caballero from within the box almost as impressive as the actual technique.

So, with Falcao returning to his former self it seems, it’s time to pose the question: would he be welcome back in England? Obviously, the idea of a top six team taking him after his short spells at Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge is rather strange, though there are ambitious Premier League sides in dire need of a forward.

Take West Ham United, for example. Their rather public quest to land a marquee marksman yielded only Simone Zaza, who has already departed east London after a miserable stint in claret and blue. With money to spend, having reportedly retained an interest in Falcao’s superstar compatriot James Rodriguez, it’s not out of the realms of possibility the Hammers could make a bid. And then tweet about it, of course.

Joking aside, West Ham fans, would you take Radamel Falcao in the summer?

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Celtic’s performance against Rangers was lacklustre to say the least. Outplayed for large spells of the 90 minutes and never really looking convincing in their desire to win the match, the point won by the away team was well earned.

In the context of their season that result matters little to the Hoops but the starting XI could do with a refresh ahead of some massive fixtures.

A key aim between now and the end of the season is finishing it unbeaten in domestic football. It would be an incredibly historic achievement if they could do it, and with just 10 games left in the Scottish Premiership it’s in sight.

First on the schedule is a trip to Dundee on Sunday, a venue that provides tough tests to visitors.

These are the FOUR Celtic stars Brendan Rodgers must take out of the team from the Rangers game to get a result…

Nir Bitton

Nir Bitton was hauled off at half-time in the match against Rangers, ostensibly due to a fitness issue, but his performance was pretty poor in the first 45 minutes and we would be far from surprised in the switch made by Brendan Rodgers was tactical.

Bitton has blown hot and cold at the club this season, at times looking like the calming force needed to keep the Hoops ticking and at other times looking weak, ineffectual and not up for the physical battle needed to impose yourself on the game in Scotland.

That physical battle is likely to be a big part of the match-up against Dundee this coming weekend and the Hoops must match them in it. Bringing in the likes of Liam Henderson or Callum McGregor could add a bit of zip, determination and hunger to the middle of the park and allow the Hoops’ more creative players to reach their potential.

Failing that, simply dropping Stuart Armstrong in alongside Brown and having someone play behind Moussa Dembele in attacking midfield could be the answer.

James Forrest

The continued insistence on benching Patrick Roberts at the expense of James Forrest and Gary Mackay-Steven is becoming an increasing issue with the Celtic support.

Roberts hasn’t started a match for six weeks, the last time being away to St Johnstone in Perth at the start of February, with the match resulting in a 5-2 win.

After an ineffectual performance against Rangers, James Forrest could probably do with a reminder his place in the team is not a formality and dropping him to the bench would do that effectively.

Roberts couldn’t impact on the game when he came on as substitute against the Gers but it’s much harder to change a game than it is to build into it from the start.

He was a sensation in the cup game against St Mirren and would surely be a bright spark against the Dees this weekend.

Erik Sviatchenko

Celtic defender Erik Sviatchenko had a torrid time against Rangers at the weekend, the second game in a row against the Hoops’ city rivals that he’s failed to deal adequately with their attackers. Looking generally weak across the 90 minutes, it left many Celtic supporters wondering why Rodgers didn’t opt to star Jozo Simunovic instead.

The big Croatian has looked like the Hoops’ classiest option at the back this season for our money and should get the chance to show what he can do again this coming Sunday alongside Dedryck Boyata.

Simunovic hasn’t played since the middle of February and would add a bit of steel to the backline against what will be a very motivated Dundee side.

Mikael Lustig

Mikael Lustig was far from the worst against Rangers but still didn’t offer much on the right flank, either to counter Rangers or in Celtic’s own efforts to press the game and create chances of their own.

Re-introducing Cristian Gamboa, who has impressed in recent appearances, could be the ticket they need to unlock a dogged Dundee defensive line. Gamboa offers pace and a directness that Lustig lacks.

The Hoops need to bring the game to the home side and knock in a few goals, Dundee have the chops at Dens to grab a goal themselves.

Laying all their offensive cards on the table is the name of the Celtic game.

Southampton midfielder Oriol Romeu has insisted that he has no intention of abandoning St Mary’s for Barcelona, reports the Daily Echo.

What’s the word?

Earlier this month, The Sun claimed that the Catalan giants were eyeing their former player ahead of a potential move in the summer.

Romeu came through the academy at Barcelona and spent a year in the first team before leaving to join Chelsea in 2011.

In both Spain and at Stamford Bridge, the midfielder struggled to cement a regular spot in the team, but at Southampton he is a valued member.

Romeu has claimed that while he is flattered by the rumours, he wants to pay back the Saints for the faith they have shown in him.

The Daily Echo quotes the 25-year-old as saying:

“Being linked with the club is always something nice but, luckily, I’ve been at Chelsea and Barcelona and haven’t played and I don’t want to be there again and I don’t want to have this feeling [of not playing].

“I’m feeling very happy here [at Saints] and I won’t give this away. The club has given me a massive welcome since the beginning, signing a new contract in January, and this support and confidence they have given me is something that no one has done before.”

How important is he to Southampton?

Well, this season in particular, Romeu has impressed in the middle of the park.

He has played in all but one of the club’s 27 Premier League games this season and he has had a consistently strong defensive presence.

Romeu is a reliable figure in midfield as he can read the game well, which allows him to intercept passes, and he is also not afraid of a tackle.

Since Victor Wanyama left, the Spaniard has stepped up in that role, of which he has made his own.

Keeping Romeu would not only be good for matters on the pitch, it would also send out a message that Southampton are not a selling club.

The coastal outfit have parted with numerous first-team players, including Adam Lallana, Luke Shaw and Nathaniel Clyne, over the years.

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