The Reds boast an imposing record at the Lane and are unbeaten in 14 visits to the white half of the capital but for the first time in a long while, Pochettino's vibrant young side start as favourites against United as they continue their pursuit of a first Premier League crown.
From relegation strugglers to title favourites in less than a year, Leicester's remarkable rise has been the story of the season, but as the team most likely to stop them, Tottenham have become the pantomime villain in the Foxes fairytale.
Having only ever finished in the Premier League's top four once, Spurs look almost certain to be playing in the Champions League next term and still have hope of emulating their 1961 title winning team.
With the chance to win their first league crown in 55 years, Spurs own story is as remarkable as it is impressive.
United trio Phil Jones, Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia are all available again after injury, but Bastian Schweinsteiger is sidelined, Daley Blind's fitness remains unknown and Wayne Rooney is not yet ready to return.
"It shall be very difficult, not just for us but for Tottenham also because the pressure is for them now because they have to close the gap on Leicester City.
"We have a gap to close also- one point to Manchester City- so we must win."
"So it is the same position more or less at Manchester United at this time and I think that until now Leicester City is in a very good position" said van Gaal, who added:
"I think that Tottenham have a very good squad, a team that presses high with a good positional game and they score a lot of goals
"They have a lot of clean sheets also, a very structured and well-organised team, so I think you can give credit to Mauricio Pochettino."
These two sides met at Old Trafford in the very first match of the new season as a Kyle Walker o.g saw the Reds emerge 1-0 winners.
Harry Kane has carried on his impressive form of last season into this campaign with 25 goals- but young starlets Dele Alli, Eric Dier and Danny Rose have all impressed and been rewarded with England recognition.
Form guide: Spurs D L W L W D United L L D D W W
Match odds: Spurs 10/11 Draw 5/2 United 16/5
Referee: Mike Dean
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