After 24 games played, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United are only separated by one position and two points in the Premier League.
Usually at this stage of the season, either Tottenham or Man United would be chasing the other for a European spot, perhaps even a place in the Champions League.
However, Spurs and United are in 14th and 13th place respectively, two sides who are performing well below expectation.
Of course, United have attempted to remedy that situation by replacing Erik ten Hag with Ruben Amorim, even if that process will require a lot of patience long-term.
On their part, Tottenham are sticking by Ange Postecoglou, and decision-makers at the club are still hoping that he can win the Europa League this season, a competition where they could still meet United at one stage.
Gary Neville and Roy Keane back Man United to beat Tottenham
That being said United will make their way down to N17 on Sunday for a game that seems almost guaranteed to provide entertainment.
Speaking on the ‘Stick to Football’ podcast, both Gary Neville and Roy Keane have shared their verdicts on the scoreline, with both actually agreeing that United would win.
The two sides are only 10 or so points ahead of the relegation places and whilst that’s not necessarily a threat right now, neither team will even want to be mentioned near the drop zone.
Speaking on the podcast, Neville started the chat by saying: “I think United win, I think United win.”
Keane then jovially asked, after questioning the impact that James Maddison would have when he does return earlier on in the podcast: “Have Spurs got their players back? Is Maddison back?
“I think United, I’m going to go 3-1 United.”
Neville added: “2-1 United.”
Jill Scott asked: “Really? United are going to score three goals away from home?”
Keane: “Yes they will.”
Tottenham could be undone by Ruben Amorim’s tactics
Of course, Spurs have now gone seven games without a win at home in the Premier League, losing five of those matches.
In those games, Postecoglou’s side have often still dominated the ball, but succumbed to lapses in concentration at the back.
And it perhaps bodes well for Amorim’s side that they have often looked very resolute when playing compact and counter-attacking on the road, a game plan which inspired strong shows against Manchester City and Arsenal of late.
A fascinating tie, and one that Spurs in particular can’t afford to lose.
And from United’s perspective, the game marks another opportunity to prove that their project is heading in the right direction.