Manchester United play host to Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday night having failed to win either of their last two fixtures in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, former boss Jose Mourinho has won his opening three games in charge of Spurs, which has helped moved the North London side two points ahead of United in the standings.
Manchester United
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Despite frequent speculation regarding his position in the dugout, it appears that United have no plans to part ways with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the immediate future.
However, Sunday's 2-2 draw with Aston Villa now means that United have recorded just 10 points from their last nine outings in the Premier League, form which would only earn them a spot in the bottom half of the standings come the end of the campaign.
That disappointment has been offset by efficient progress in the Europa League, a route which the club may need to use in order to regain their place in next season's Champions League.
Nevertheless, with Manchester City to follow at the weekend, this feels like a significant week for Solskjaer, who can ill afford back-to-back defeats against two of United's biggest rivals.
With Mourinho making his return to Old Trafford this week, there are natural comparisons between the pair, with the Portuguese being sacked last December after a return of 26 points from 17 games.
Solskjaer would need to record three successive victories just to equal the total of his predecessor, arguably highlighting why there is such concern in the stands regarding United's progression under the Norwegian.
The main plus for Solskjaer right now is the form of Marcus Rashford, who has now contributed seven goals and four assists from 14 top-flight outings this season.
That said, United have now gone nine matches without keeping a clean sheet in the league, something which cannot be prolonged if they are to have any realistic hope of making headway up the table.
Recent form: DWLWDD
Recent form (all competitions): LWWDLD
Tottenham Hotspur
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While Spurs continue to concede two goals per game, there will be continued comments over whether Mourinho is capable of resolving the squad's issues in defence in both the short and long term.
However, despite being visibly disappointed with the way his team are shipping goals, Mourinho will be delighted that he has begun his reign with three successive victories.
In each of the games against West Ham United, Olympiacos and Bournemouth, Spurs have put together rampant spells in the final third which have resulted in a total of 10 goals.
Dele Alli has been the main beneficiary of a change of approach, with the England international contributing three strikes and an assist since Mourinho replaced long-serving Mauricio Pochettino.
The likes of Son Heung-min and Lucas Moura are also flourishing under the guidance of the Portuguese, especially the latter who has spent large spells out of the starting lineup since the beginning of this campaign.
Nevertheless, Mourinho knows that he has a concentration issue at the back, something which will naturally lead to suggestions that he may opt for a more-defensive setup for the visit to his former employees.
Regardless of whether that materialises or not, only a win against an under-performing United team will prevent the 56-year-old and his side from coming in for some kind of negative feedback after the full-time whistle.
That said, despite Pochettino's departure, Spurs have now constructed a six-match unbeaten run in all competitions, and victory on Wednesday night would put the club back into the top-four picture heading into the weekend.
Recent form: DLDDWW
Recent form (all competitions): DWDWWW
Team News
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Having been absent for the last three games due to an ankle injury, Scott McTominay is expected to make his return to the team on Wednesday night.
Jesse Lingard could also be handed a recall, with Andreas Pereira and Juan Mata dropping down to the substitutes' bench.
Nemanja Matic may also return to the squad, although this game could come too soon for Paul Pogba, who is close to recovering from an ankle problem.
As for Spurs, Harry Winks is in line to return in place of Tanguy Ndombele, but Moura may have to make do with a place among the replacements.
Danny Rose could be preferred to Jan Vertonghen at left-back, with Mourinho wary of United's pace down the flanks.
Manchester United possible starting lineup:
De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Williams; McTominay, Fred; James, Lingard, Rashford; Martial
Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:
Gazzaniga; Aurier, Alderweireld, Sanchez, Rose; Dier, Winks; Sissoko, Alli, Son; Kane
Head To Head
Wednesday's fixture will represent the 192nd competitive encounter between the two clubs, with United winning 91 times in comparison to Spurs registering 52 victories of their own.
Ten matches have been played since there was a draw in this fixture, a run which began when the clubs played out a stalemate at White Hart Lane in December 2014.
The clubs last met in January as United recorded a 1-0 win at Wembley Stadium courtesy of a goal from Rashford.
We say: Manchester United 2-2 Tottenham Hotspur
We cannot see anything but goals in this match. Both side's qualities come at the top end of the pitch, and their weaknesses at the back could lead to an entertaining encounter ending in a draw.
Darren Plant
