Leeds United look to end their winless run when they host flying-again Tottenham Hotspur at Elland Road on Saturday, November 7. Both teams will target three points to strengthen their position before the start of the November international break.
The hosts kicked off their campaign with a five-match unbeaten run in the Premier League. However, since their loss to Arsenal last month, the Whites remain without a win. They sit 12th in the points table with two wins in nine league games, and could rise to the top half with points against Spurs.
Tottenham Hotspur ended their poor start to the season with three dominant wins in a row. Roberto De Zerbi’s men failed to win their first five league games, but enter this fixture with a four-match unbeaten streak. Another three points could put the Spurs back in position for continental football next season.
Last 5 games
Leeds United enter this game after a 2-0 away defeat against Bournemouth last week. The Whites endured a winless run in October with a 2-1 defeat against Arsenal away. However, they did manage to secure a point against Manchester United at Old Trafford, but failed to score against Sunderland and Crystal Palace, teams sitting in the relegation zone.
On the other hand, the Lillywhites enjoyed an unbeaten October with one draw against Manchester United, followed by three morale-boosting wins. Spurs’ last defeat came against Aston Villa at home last month. With no continental football and having already been knocked out of the Carabao Cup, the North London giants are steadily getting back on track and are looking serious contenders for the top-four finish.
Leeds United: 12th
Loss: 2-0 vs Bournemouth
Draw: 0-0 vs Sunderland
Draw: 1-1 vs Manchester United
Loss: 2-1 vs Arsenal
Draw: 0-0 vs Crystal Palace
Tottenham Hotspur: 9th
Win: 2-0 vs Crystal Palace
Win: 0-2 vs Chelsea
Win: 1-0 vs Coventry City
Draw: 1-1 vs Manchester United
Loss: 2-3 vs Aston Villa
Team News
Noah Okafor and Joe Rodon remain doubtful for the hosts ahead of their tenth league game. Okafor missed the last match against Bournemouth due to an adductor issue, but could be involved at some point against the Spurs. Rodon is also close to his return after suffering a hamstring injury in August, but is likely to start the game from the bench.
Brenden Aaronson could get a nod ahead of Daniel James with the latter failing to impress against Bournemouth. Anton Stach is expected to return to the starting lineup after starting the last two games from the bench.
Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur face no fresh injury issues and could continue with the same starting lineup that overcame Crystal Palace. James Maddison is likely to start another game from the bench if both Dominic Solanke and Omar Marmoush start in the attack on Saturday. Rodrigo Bentancur returns after serving his three-match suspension, but is unlikely to find a place in the midfield.
Lucas Bergvall and Tosin Adarabioyo could also return from injury and feature in the squad, but forwards Xavi Simons, Mykhaylo Mudryk and Savio remain on the sidelines for the travelling side.
Possible lineups
Leeds United: James Trafford; James Justin, Nico Elvedi, Tarik Muharemovic; Jayden Bogle, Ethan Ampadu, Ao Tanaka, Gabriel Gudmundsson; Harry Wilson, Brendon Aaronson; Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Tottenham Hotspur: Antonin Kinsky; Archie Gray, Jan Paul van Hecke, Micky van de Ven, Andrew Robertson; Mateus Fernandes, Sandro Tonali; Mohammed Kudus, Omar Marmoush, Mathys Tel; Dominic Solanke
Head-to-Head:
Tottenham Hotspur lead the head-to-head record with 14 wins in 29 meetings against Leeds United. The North London side have also recorded five draws and 10 defeats against the West Yorkshire club. In their last meeting, both teams settled for a 1-1 draw with Calvert-Lewin’s penalty denying the hosts three points. The Spurs remain unbeaten against Leeds in their last five meetings, scoring 15 goals in the process.
Where Will The Game Be Decided?
Tottenham Hotspur strikers Dominic Solanke and Omar Marmoush have struggled in front of goal this season, with three goals in between them. The likes of Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus have been brilliant in the last few games. Tel was on the scoresheet when both teams last played each other. The young Frenchman also scored against Chelsea and could play a vital role against Leeds. Kudus has provided two assists in the last three starts for the Spurs and can pose a constant threat from the right side of the attack on Saturday.
Prediction
Tottenham Hotspur are expected to record an easy win against Leeds United, having won their last three league games. The traveling side remains unbeaten since their defeat against Aston Villa in September. The Spurs have shown notable improvement in the defence recently, allowing just two goals while scoring eight last month.
Leeds United’s strong start to the season is well behind them now. Daniel Farke’s men have failed to win a game since their defeat against Arsenal in September. Their latest loss against Bournemouth further exploited their struggles in the attack. Dominic Calvert-Lewin remains the only player with multiple goals for the Whites this season, but the former Everton man has managed to find the back of the net just once in his last five league games.
Our Prediction: Leeds United 0-2 Tottenham Hotspur
Odds
Leeds United win: 13/8
Draw: 5/2
Tottenham Hotspur win: 7/4
Tottenham Hotspur’s recent run of form reflects their favourable position in the betting markets. They lead the odds with a 39% chance of winning the game, while Leeds follow closely with a 35% probability of drawing an upset at Elland Road. If you bet £10 on Tottenham’s win, and they deliver three points, then you could make a profit of £17.50. A £10 bet on Leeds United to win would return £16.25 profit, while the same bet on a draw could get you £25 in return.
