Manchester United welcome visitors Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday night with an eye to take maximum points off one of the fellow form-teams in the Premiership.

Spurs will be aiming to make it a run of ten games unbeaten if they can take something away from Old Trafford having not lost since November's clash with Aston Villa.

Since the shock departure of former French national team coach Jacques Santini a few months back, the appointment of Martin Jol to full-time manager has been a breath of fresh air as the North Londoners are now in contention for a place in Europe next year.

Dutchman Jol was close to becoming Assistant Manager to the Red Devils if Carlos Queiroz hadn't have left Real Madrid in the summer and has won the rare praises of Sir Alex Ferguson. "Martin Jol was someone I was very interested in when I was looking for an assistant. I went to meet him and was very impressed with what he had to say." revealed the Scotsman.

"I had some very impressive recommendations. People I knew in Holland told me he was very aware tactically and when I spoke with him I could see that he was going places."

Like Spurs, United have also put together a good bit of Christmas for of which they hope to carry forward with them, deep into 2005. The Red Devils have yet to lose a league game for 10 matches.

As for team news, Gary Neville is likely to make the step-up from the bench to the starting XI following a lengthy absence with the flu virus. Cristiano Ronaldo may undergo a late fitness test after a minor calf strain. the winger picked up in the 2-0 Middlesbrough victory. Wes Brown, Louis Saha, John O'Shea, Quinton Fortune, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Wayne Rooney all defiantly miss out however.

Tottenham and England international strike Jermain Defoe is a doubt for the Old Trafford clash so Fredi Kanoute and Robbie Keane are set to lead the attack.

"Jermain is still a doubt and we'll make a decision tomorrow." confirmed Martin Jol. "He was looking pretty good today but we'll make our minds up in the morning."

ManUtdWeb Prediction - Manchester United 3 - 2 Tottenham Hotspur - This game will be close, too close for comfort, considering both teams' rich vein of form. I'm sure United can pick up the victory at home though.