Manchester United vs Tottenham - live! Rashford dangerous in tight encounter

Good afternoon and welcome to the Independent's live coverage of today's crunch clash between Manchester United and Tottenham.

We'll be bringing you all the action, reaction and analysis from the game so make sure to stay tuned!

Team news shortly...

TEAM NEWS:

No Kane, no problem?

There was no grand ruse to Pochettino's words earlier this week - Harry Kane is indeed absent from Tottenham's match-day squad. How this affects the visitors remains to be seen, though the recent form of Son offers cause for optimism. His goal against Liverpool - set up, ironically, by Kane himself - was a testament to what he's capable of. Spurs will be hoping he can recreate that form today.

As for United, Rashford has retained his spot in Mourinho's starting XI ahead of Martial. His pace and precision will be vital for the hosts as they look to wear down a traditionally stubborn and disciplined backline (overlooking the capitulation against West Ham, of course). Herrera also starts once again. Maybe his outspoken attitudes about United's lack of desire in the defeat against Huddersfield last week has struck a chord with Jose. He'll have a point to prove today as he bids to hold on to his spot in the centre of the park.

Our chief football writer Miguel Delaney is at Old Trafford for today's showdown. For a deeper analysis of the clash, take a read of his in-depth piece from yesterday: 

Some words of encouragement from that man Kane 

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Mourinho speaks...

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho, speaking to Sky Sports, on his formation: "I'm not saying we are playing three at the back - you are saying that.

"We want to win, we have to try to win but we know we are playing against one of the best, if not the the best, in the league. But nothing can stop us to think we can win. That will be our approach, to be dominant and try to win this match."

Sounds a bit tetchy, you think?

The United boss was also full of praise for today's opposition. "They are a good team and good in every aspect," he said. "They can defend with lots of players back and counter attack quickly. They are good at keeping the ball in possession and they are strong physically.

"They are a very complete team so to win against them we must play close to perfection."

A reminder of all today's games:

• Manchester United 12:30 Tottenham
• Arsenal 15:00 Swansea
• Crystal Palace 15:00 West Ham
• Liverpool 15:00 Huddersfield
• Watford 15:00 Stoke
• West Brom 15:00 Manchester City
• Bournemouth 17:30 Chelsea

Pochettino speaks...

As you'd expect, the Tottenham boss is confident his side can cope without star striker Harry Kane: "I think we must keep our identity and philosophy. It is true Harry Kane is our main striker and one of the best in the world so we are going to miss him.

"But football is a collective sport so I believe in our squad. I think the team feels that we will miss him but the team is ready to compete and fight and win."

On Manchester United: "They have a lot of players injured who of course you would miss, but I think Manchester United have a great squad and unbelievable players. They are showing they are competitive."

Right, five minutes until kick-off. Hold onto your hats, folks. I'm predicting a 2-1 Tottenham win - though I wouldn't recommend taking my advice on this one. I have a knack for getting these things wrong...

Everyone loves a last minute stat. Here you go all: