Tottenham Hotspur - Manchester United live updates

Referee Jonathan Moss blows the whistle to get us underway here. Expecting an open game that could be a post-Christmas cracker!

FIVE MINUTES TO KICK-OFF: United have lost just one of their last 18 Premier League away games in London (W11 D6 L1). Match odds: Tottenham (23/10) Draw (13/5) Man Utd (13/10).

TEN MINUTES TO KICK-OFF: The Red Devils have won just two of their last 10 on the road in the top flight (W2 D5 L3), but are unbeaten in their last three (W2 D1).

The impressive Harry Kane will be hoping to add to his goal count this afternoon. His first-minute strike in the 2-1 victory over Leicester on Friday took his tally to 15 in all competitions

Despite the outstanding form of David de Gea between the sticks, there is cause for optimism for the Spurs strikers today. United have kept just one clean sheet in their last 10 Premier League away games.

Tottenham’s home form has been a real cause for concern this season. They have won none of their last 13 Premier League games against the Red Devils at White Hart Lane (W0 D5 L8).

MATCH STAT: Spurs have won none of their last 13 Premier League games against the Red Devils at White Hart Lane (W0 D5 L8).

Louis van Gaal admits he does not have enough time to prepare his Manchester United team for their game against Tottenham: "With FIFA and UEFA, it's forbidden to play within 48 hours. In England, it's okay. I cannot prepare my team like I have to prepare. We have unit meetings, and team meetings, we have training 11 against 11, and assimilating opponents. We cannot do that now."

Mauricio Pochettino when questioned on captain Younes Kaboul: "It's a football decision, there is no other explanation," he said when questioned about Kaboul's omission. When you decide to pick the starting XI it's not because he's captain or that his name is different from another. You pick the player because it's your job and it's my decision. The captain means that you are a leader but because you are a captain you are not sure of starting XI. I am the head coach and I decide the players for each game."

Wayne Rooney will once again be asked to play the role of attacking midfielder he fulfilled so effectively against Newcastle behind Falcao and Van Persie. He has scored nine goals in 13 Barclays Premier League appearances for Manchester United against Tottenham and six of his nine goals against Spurs have been netted at White Hart Lane.

So in come Chiriches, Townsend, Davies and Mason for Spurs with Rose, Walker, Lamela and Bentaleb the men to make way. United are unchanged after their impressive win against Newcastle with Luke Shaw coming onto the bench for Tyler Blackett.