Published: 28 November, 2013
by DAN CARRIER

UNDER-fire manager Andre Villas-Boas is desperate for a return to form as he prepares his troops for Sunday’s home game against champions Manchester United.

Rumours swirling round the north London club this week suggest that anything but a high tempo, entertaining display could result in AVB being sacked, just 14 months after his appointment.

Spurs, who were hammered 6-0 by Manchester City on Sunday, go into the game against United without left back Danny Rose, who is still recovering from a toe injury.

In truth, AVB is facing selection headaches in every major position. In defence, Vlad Chiriches is seen as the most likely partner for Michael Dawson as Younes Kaboul works on his match fitness.

The midfield headache focuses on Mousa Dembele, recent returnee Sandro and the over-worked Paulinho, who looked exhausted during the defeat at City.

Having chopped and changed the front line last weekend, Villas-Boas is expected to recall Andros Townsend in place of Aaron Lennon, while Erik Lamela is likely to keep his spot on the left.

Gylfi Sigurdsson is pencilled in to play behind striker Roberto Soldado in place of Lewis Holtby, while Jermain Defoe is again set to start on the bench.

Meanwhile, Spurs’ fans can take heart in the more positive rumours swirling around that AVB is preparing a big money bid for impressive Southampton full-back Luke Shaw in January.