“And Mendes has tried to lob him...oh it’s in. Did it go in?”

The last time Tottenham Hotspur won at Manchester United. No, it wasn’t that “goal” by Pedro Mendes back in 2005, despite the best efforts of Roy Carroll. Instead, we have to go back to 1989, when modern day football wasn’t invented, to remember Spurs’ last win at Old Trafford; a 1-0 win courtesy of a sole Gary Lineker strike.

However, despite the abysmal record against the 12-time Premier League champions, Andre Villas-Boas, who reportedly is facing another showdown with the players, heads to Manchester in a confident mood.

The 34-year-old is likely to be able to select Kyle Naughton once again following his recovery from a foot problem he sustained in the 0-0 draw with Lazio last week and must decide whether to start the young full-back or persist with Jan Vertonghen at left-back.

However, Villas-Boas will be without Emmanuel Adebayor (hamstring), Jake Livermore (groin), Benoit Assou-Ekotto (knee), Younes Kaboul (knee) and Scott Parker (Achilles) all sidelined.

Despite the confidence of the young tactician, Spurs fans remain apprehensive about the daunting trip, with many willing to settle for a draw. Still, we haven’t there for 23 years; it’s about time we did, right?

Possible starting XI:

Friedel; Walker, Caulker, Gallas, Vertonghen; Sandro, Dembele; Lennon, Sigurdsson, Bale; Defoe

Click here to follow To the Lane and Back on Twitter