Spurs star wary of "world class" Man United player ahead of big game - he could make all the difference

Spurs defender Ben Davies has explained the importance of his side setting up a plan to stop Christian Eriksen when they take on Man United on Wednesday evening.

Antonio Conte's side currently sit in third in the Premier League table, with 23 points from 10 games.

A victory at Old Trafford would see them go above Manchester City into second. They would be just one point behind Arsenal - having played a game more than their North London rivals - heading into the weekend's fixtures.

But Spurs face a tough test in the form of Erik ten Hag's side. After a poor start to the season, which included a 4-0 humiliation at Brentford, United have stepped it up in recent months, even if those gains have, at times, been marginal.

However, a 6-3 defeat to rivals City shows there is still plenty of work to do.

In addition, the Red Devils failed to break down a staunch Newcastle defence in their 0-0 draw at Old Trafford on Sunday, although United believed they had a goal wrongly ruled out by VAR.

That disappointment should spur them on when they take on Conte's side on Wednesday - and defender Davies pinpointed one player his team has to have full focus on.

Ben Davies discusses Christian Eriksen influence

When asked about Christian Eriksen prior to the match, Davies told Football.London: "He's a world class player. Any time he has the ball, and has time, he's very dangerous.

"So as a team, I'm sure we'll watch him in the next few days, and come up with a plan of action to stop him."

Eriksen has recorded two assists in eight Premier League appearances since joining United in the summer from Brentford on a free transfer. The Dane has primarily operated in a deeper midfield role, but can play further up the pitch.

Eriksen's creative influence has been a big factor in United's upturn in performances in recent weeks.

Spurs know the midfielder well, with the former Ajax man having represented the London club between 2013 and 2020. He scored 51 goals in 226 appearances in that team.

Conte's side know that stopping him could well be the difference between win, draw or defeat at Old Trafford on Wednesday.