Paul Merson on key tests for Tottenham and Manchester derby

Tottenham need a spark

The immediate spotlight is on Roberto De Zerbi’s side. Reports say Spurs are still waiting for their first league win and first league goal despite heavy summer spending, and another report adds they failed to register a shot on target last weekend.

That turns Everton into more than just the next opponent.

• Tottenham need urgency, not just possession.
• Everton will sense anxiety if the game stays level.
• A flat performance would deepen the noise around a new-look squad.

For De Zerbi, this is about restoring belief as much as taking three points. A win changes the conversation. Another blank would make every tactical decision feel bigger.

The derby can change the mood at Old Trafford

For Manchester United, the derby arrives at a useful but dangerous time. Another report says Michael Carrick’s side returned to the Champions League with a 4-0 home win over Sabah FC, a result that should lift the dressing room.

But the Premier League is the real measure of stability.

• A derby win would turn scrutiny into momentum.
• A defeat would revive questions about consistency.
• The fixture also tests how well United handle a busier schedule.

There is pressure on City too, even if it is a different kind. Derby matches are about control, tone and authority as much as points.

Confidence is the real prize

This weekend is not just about the table. It is about which teams walk into the next round calmer, clearer and more convincing. Tottenham need evidence that their attacking plan is starting to function. United need proof that one strong night can carry into a bigger one. City will want to remind everyone that big occasions still bend their way.

By Sunday night, the next storyline should be obvious: recovery, or escalation.