Tottenham Hotspur will be travelling to Elland Road this Saturday for a lunchtime kickoff. And Thomas Frank will be looking to turn recent draws into three points as the Lilywhites face newly-promoted Leeds United.
The North Londoners are unbeaten in six consecutive games in all competitions. But we have seen across the past few that there is still that lacking edge of getting it over the line. And that shows in the fact that the Lilywhites have drawn three of the last four games.
The latest was in the midweek stalemate where Tottenham drew 2-2 against Bodo/Glimt in Norway. And it was an 89th-minute own goal which ended up rescuing a point for the Lilywhites. But even Frank ended up reflecting that his side was “second best” for large spells in the game.
While when it comes to the Premiership, Tottenham are just on the outside of the top three. And it could be a lot down to two consecutive draws against Brighton and Wolves after a splendid start to the season.
We are looking at the side suffering in creative aspects given the displays in the past few games, and that is where you feel the absence of the likes of James Maddison. But this is also where the likes of Xavi Simons and Lucas Bergvall are to step up and show their capabilities.
Looking at the other side of the fence. The hosts for tomorrow are adapting well to life in the English top tier. We have seen Daniel Farke’s men take up eight points from their six games. They also remain unbeaten at Elland Road in over a year, which adds to the pressure on the Lilywhites.
If we look at Leeds, they drew to Bournemouth (FT 2-2) last weekend. And that draw extended their home run to 23 league games without defeat. But that being said, they conceded a stoppage-time equaliser which will have pissed off Farke after an exciting performance.
They have been a menace in the dead ball sequences, given that Leeds have four this season from set pieces. And former Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff has started to become his own early in the season. He ranks among the league leaders for chances created and tackles made.
Tottenham do have a good record at Elland Road, given that they have scored eight in the last two games there. And Frank will hope his side can rediscover that ruthlessness again.
Team News
Leeds United
Karl Darlow is set to continue in goal for the hosts. But they do have a few injury problems, with the wide forward duo of Daniel James and Willy Gnonto ruled out with ankle and calf injuries. Then Harry Gray remains a doubt with hip problems. While Lucas Perri remains sidelined with muscle problems.
Tottenham Hotspur
The list of injured players at Hotspur Way is equally broad. Dominic Solanke will continue to serve on the sidelines, given how his persistent ankle problems have forced him into surgery. While Kota Takai and Yves Bissouma continue to push.
The trio of James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, and Radu Dragusin will be out again given how all three are still recovering from long-term knee injuries.
Then, on the deadline day for summer signings, Randal Kolo Muani will face a late fitness test given his dead leg problems over the past weeks.
Given the fact that Richarlison has been running himself to the ground, there is a chance that he will be rested for Tel, while Cristian Romero should return after being rested in midweek against Bodo.
Predicted lineups
Leeds United (4-3-3)
Darlow; Bogle, Rodon, Struijk, Gudmundsson; Stach, Ampadu, Longstaff; Aaronson, Calvert-Lewin, Okafor
Tottenham Hotspur (4-3-3):
Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Sarr, Palhinha, Bergvall; Kudus, Tel, Simons
Prediction
While Leeds do boast a formidable home record of late, Tottenham are clearly a level above. And Thomas Frank would be desperate to put those three successive draws behind them and get a result this weekend.
Leeds United 0-2 Tottenham Hotspur