EPL: Can Ole Gunnar Solksjaer overcome his first ‘real’ test against Mauricio Pochettino’s Spurs?

This will be the first match of Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s Manchester United managerial career against one of the top-six teams.

The team they face is managed by the bookies’ favourites to succeed the Norwegian in the hot managerial seat at Old Trafford. Mixed feelings and emotions around the stadium? Definitely.

Spurs have already beaten Man United comprehensively, earlier this season as they ran rampant against them, scoring three goals with no reply from United. The first half was nothing for anybody to write home about, and the second half was where all the goals were scored by one side.

Mourinho failed the United faithful at Old Trafford, so the favour must be returned as this is the first difficult test for Solskjær during his interim period as a Manchester United manager. It’s not just because they are facing a top-six team but they are likely facing their ‘next’ manager in Mauricio Pochettino, who has done a remarkable job since moving to the North London side back in 2014.

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Solskjær’s charge has been mostly characterized by their swashbuckling attacking style reminiscent of Sir Alex Ferguson’s glorious reign.  Since Alex Ferguson’s last match at the helm, Man United has struggled to score more than five goals. Although, Solskjær did it in his first match.

Then, if that wasn’t enough evidence of the Norwegian’s style. Then we have to recognise he has now equalled the legendary, Sir Matt Busby’s record of five victories in his first five matches as a United manager. Can he go one ahead of the legendary manager? That is a question only the Norwegian can answer in tomorrow’s clash with three points or none.

Solskjær’s Man United have mainly played with a 4-3-3 formation, with four of them being attack-minded players. Interchanging superbly with quick first touches, the front four and midfield play as if they are on the same wavelength. Paul Pogba is expected to be fit to face Spurs, while Bailly is suspended after picking up a straight red card against Bournemouth in December.

The home side Spurs

Still, on hold with the new White Hart Lane, this would have been the perfect opening fixture for the North Londoners and Manchester United. United in with a chance to creep up on Arsenal after the London derby went in favour of West Ham in the first match of Matchday 22.

Spurs are flying high in the English Premier League, occupying the third spot behind the leaders Liverpool and second place Man City. They currently have one of the best number 9’s in modern football. Inform Harry Kane has been a nightmare for defenders in the Premier League for the past couple of seasons.

He is currently in hot form as he has scored in six consecutive matches. He scored against Man United earlier this season, a superb header to complete a beautiful cross from Trippier back in August. Behind Harry Kane, there is another trio who could cause damage to this United side. This trio is led by Christian Eriksen, Delle Alli and Son, who of late has been in hot form as well.

Can Mauricio Pochettino secure a double victory over rivals Man United, or can Ole Gunnar Solskjær make it six out of six? An extremely important set of three points for both clubs. One goes six points behind Liverpool (depending on their Brighton result) and the other could creep into fifth place.