As the Premier League season starts yet again, there will be a lot of key battles between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, in the very first game of the new season.
With David De Gea out of the game, it raises a lot of questions of how Sergio Romero will react in the United goal. Likewise, a lot of questions on how the new United midfield will cope together, and how Harry Kane will react after his stunning goal scoring record last year.
Harry Kane Vs. Chris Smalling:
Chris Smalling looked risky at the back on occasion last season, but in some games he did look like he was improving, especially towards the end of the season. Harry Kane, on the other hand, looked outstanding for a large majority of the season. How these two match up offers a fantastic competition. Smalling could outplay Kane and keep him quiet, or Kane could take him to the cleaners and run him ragged.
Either way, it offers up and exciting prospect, and also allows fans to take a look at potentially the future of English football in their positions. I think it’s hard to predict how this one will go, as it depends on how both teams line up on the day. Kane may be on fire, with Smalling feeling a bit leggy. Or, it could be the other way round. You just never know.
Nabil Bentaleb Vs. Bastian Schweinsteiger:
I have a feeling this season that Nabil Bentaleb will be our version of Andrea Pirlo, just not as stylish or hairy. He is likely to run the park in most of our game, turning defense into attack with the flick of a switch. He probably would do that, if it wasn’t for the fact that a German legend would be in the opposite sides midfield. Yes, Bastian Schweinsteiger against Nabil Bentaleb will basically be the battle of who passes the ball the most.
However, if Bentaleb puts in a good, commanding performance, then we could be seeing the start of a great midfielder. But Bastian Schweinsteiger is a great player, and I don’t really know what else to say. It will certainly be an interesting battle.
Wayne Rooney Vs. Toby Alderweireld:
Now this could be a game changer. New signing Alderweireld could show his worth to us with a good showing against United captain Rooney in his very first game for Tottenham. Rooney will be keen to show how he can still be a top goal scorer in the Premier League and for Manchester United.
Similarly to Smalling and Kane, this could change depending on the game and the way it flows, but it will be a big one nonetheless. If Rooney plays well, then it will be up to Alderweireld to keep him quiet, and maybe he will need a helping hand from his best friend “Super” Jan Vertonghen.
