Tottenham vs. Man Utd Betting Tips: Harry Kane tipped to continue fine goalscoring form

The riveting race for a top-four spot could take another twist on Thursday night when a wounded Tottenham bid to close the gap on Man Utd, live on BT Sport 1 at 8.15pm.

Jimmy The Punt has jumped into the betting markets and plucked out two fancies for this one...

These sides' Sunday evenings will have had very different ambiances. 

I would imagine the trip back down south from St James’ Park was a miserable one for Tottenham, having been on the receiving end of a 6-1 thumping. 

It was such a bad defeat, it cost Cristian Stellini post as interim manager. Ryan Mason, a man who knows the club so well, fills the vacancy. 

• Next Tottenham Manager Odds

He could ring the changes here. Hugo Lloris was hooked at half time on Sunday with a hip injury, Fraser Forster should start in between the sticks. Elsewhere, Ben Davies, Arnaut Danjuma, and Richarlison will all feel they warrant a start.

Manchester United set up a date with local rivals City in the FA Cup Final, securing their spot via penalties on Sunday. 

It was a closely contested, albeit drab affair, however, one with plenty of positives for the Red Devils as Brighton were the favourites to qualify. 

Erik ten Hag did well to navigate that tie considering the lack of central defenders at his disposal. 

The first-choice partnership of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martínez is unavailable through injury, Harry Maguire has fallen out of favour, leaving Victor Lindelof to partner left-back Luke Shaw at the heart of defence. 

Not a market I would usually opt for, particularly without covering each way, but I just think the circumstances suit in North London this week. 

Statistically, 10 of Harry Kane’s goals this campaign have been the first of the game, which bodes well for this selection. 

More importantly though, I expect a reaction from Spurs given the manner of the defeat in Tyneside at the weekend. 

Mason taking the reins should rejuvenate the squad. There is a reason Antonio Conte rarely lasts more than two seasons at a club, and it is not because he is a great manager to work under. His style is intense, his sessions are boring and repetitive and he stooped to a new low at Spurs in his rant lambasting the club from top to bottom shortly before his departure. 

I cannot imagine life under his assistant was much different for the Tottenham squad. 

It is also worth noting that Man Utd’s game on Sunday went the distance, no doubt leaving the squad completely drained. 

So, I expect a sharp Spurs start coupled with a sluggish United. Siding with the hosts' talisman to open the scoring makes sense on paper. 

Nine of Harry Kane’s league goals come via his head and with Man Utd looking a bit light in the centre back department, he could add to that tally. 

No top-flight side has scored more goals from set pieces than Tottenham either, which could see Kane capitalise against Lindelof and Shaw. 

The 9/1 available with bet365 is a standout price as well, with the same angle 13/2 with other firms.