Saturday’s evening game in the Premier League sees Manchester United host Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford, with the visitors hoping to record a first victory there in twenty-three years.

A Gary Lineker goal was enough to give Spurs the points back in December 1989, and of the twenty-six meetings at the Theatre of Dreams since, United have won twenty-two, with four ending all square.

In fact, Spurs haven’t beaten United anywhere since their 3-1 victory at White Hart Lane at the end of the 2000/2001 season.

Both teams go in to the game following their midweek League Cup victories; Manchester United defeating Newcastle United while Tottenham eased past League One Carlisle United.

Both also won last time out in the league; United coming from a goal down to take maximum points against Liverpool in an emotionally charged day at Anfield.

Midfielder Antonio Valancia picked up an injury in the victory, and is doubtful to feature this weekend, while Sir Alex Ferguson may include Wayne Rooney after the forward returned from injury midweek.

The hosts are perhaps unsurprisingly odds on favourites for the win here, with 1.62 (8/13) the best odds available, while Spurs are as highly priced as 6.0 (5/1). The draw is 4.0 (3/1) with Ladbrokes.

Tottenham were also a goal down last weekend before eventually beating Queens Park Rangers 2-1. Jermaine Defoe secured the win with his fourth goal in five league appearances this term, and is 4.0 (3/1) with Stan James to get on the score sheet once again.

The England striker did score the last time these two teams met, though United eventually went on to win 3-1 at White Hart Lane back in March.

However, the favourite to open the scoring on Saturday is United’s Robin Van Persie. Given his association with Tottenham’s bitter North London rivals Arsenal, the striker is sure to be in for some stick from the Spurs supporters, but you can back him at 2.10 (11/10) with Stan James silence them with the first goal of the game.

Given United’s dominance in this fixture, you might be tempted to bet on them to do what they have done in four of the last six meetings with Spurs, and win the game by two goals, and Ladbrokes have the best odds available for this outcome at 5.0 (4/1).