TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR X MAN UTD

Scene-setter: Manchester United return to action with a trip to London just two days after the Reds' last match – a comfortable 3-1 victory over Newcastle United at Old Trafford. The next stage of United's busy festive period presents a chance to extend the side's unbeaten run to nine games and an opportunity to consolidate third place in the Premier League, while chasing Chelsea and Manchester City.

Form guide: An away trip won't be daunting for United, who are unbeaten in the last three fixtures on the road, and are second only to local rivals City in the Premier League form table after wins for both teams on Boxing Day. Spurs have developed a tendency of snatching victories recently, with all of their last three league matches ending 2-1 in their favour. Such a habit has seen Mauricio Pochettino's side rise to sixth in the table, with five points standing between the Reds and this weekend's opponents.

Team news: Chris Smalling could feature after making the bench for the clash with Newcastle, although Angel Di Maria is doubtful after picking up a knock ahead of the Magpies meeting. Adnan Januzaj is unavailable due to illness, while compatriot Marouane Fellaini and Daley Blind are also certain absentees. Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera are aiming to make comebacks soon and could be involved. Tottenham's Ryan Mason overcame an ankle knock to come on as a half-time substitute against Leicester City on Friday, and Kyle Walker has re-established himself at right-back after a long-term lay-off.

Manchester United‏@ManUtd

United XI: De Gea, Jones, McNair, Evans, Valencia, Carrick, Rooney, Mata, Young, van Persie, Falcão Garcia

Tottenham Hotspur: Lloris, Chiriches, Fazio, Vertonghen, Davies; Mason, Stambouli; Chadli, Eriksen, Townsend; Kane

United’s subs vs Spurs: Lindegaard, Rafael, Smalling, Shaw, Fletcher, A.Pereira, Wilson

THFC subs: Vorm, Dier, Walker, Lamela, Dembele, Paulinho, Soldado.