Tottenham v Leeds – Preview, Predictions, and Best Bets

Tottenham host Leeds on Saturday in the Premier League at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Spurs are below their best right now having trailed 2-0 in each of their last five domestic matches. Leeds have snapped an eight-match winless run with successive league wins to move from the relegation zone into the 12^th spot.

Tottenham Form

After winning five of their first seven league matches this term, Spurs have lost four of their next seven. Three of their last four games in the Premier League have seen losses. A resounding 2-0 loss at Man Utd preceded a 2-1 home defeat to Newcastle. Tottenham then came from 2-0 down at Bournemouth to win 3-2 in the last minute. Last weekend, they lost 2-1 at home to Liverpool.

That loss to the Reds was preceded by a key 2-1 win at Marseille to reach the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League. In midweek, Antonio Conte picked a very strong side but still lost 2-0 at Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup.

Tottenham Team News

Conte is set to start Harry Kane once again despite saying the striker is “really, really tired” and admitting it’s a serious injury risk to play him. Heung-Min Son remains absent, and Cristian Romero is unlikely to feature either.

The good news for Spurs is that Richarlison is back from injury and could start this match. Dejan Kulusevski could also start after two substitute outings after his only injury problems. Matt Doherty is set to start at right wingback in preference to Emerson Royal.

Tottenham Motivation

This is a must-win game after the side’s very, very poor recent results and performances. Conte is therefore set to risk an exhausted Kane up front and could play other key attackers just after returning from injuries.

Tottenham usually play within themselves in the first half before coming to life after half-time.

Leeds Form

The Whites started the season well with seven points from their first three league matches. An awful run followed with just two points taken from eight fixtures as they were beaten six times during that streak. A 3-2 home loss to Fulham had pressure ramped up on Jesse March for his job.  

Leeds have responded superbly since then. They won 2-1 at Anfield thanks to an 89th minute winner in a fixture where they created a fair amount. Last weekend, they came from 3-1 down at home to beat Bournemouth 4-3 in a thrilling affair. Crys Summerville got the winner for the second week in a row. In midweek, Leeds lost 1-0 in the Carabao Cup to Wolves after conceding a late goal.

Leeds Team News

Jesse March remains without Stuart Dallas at fullback whilst Patrick Bamford is a serious doubt for this match – he may be fit enough for the bench though. Luis Fernando Sinisterra has a foot injury and misses out whilst Joe Gelhardt was injured in midweek.

Leeds could play a similar team to last week with Rodrigo leading the line and in-form Crysencio Summerville down the left. Sam Greenwood scored against Brentford and is pushing to start in place of Jack Harrison.

Leeds Motivation

In the bigger games, Leeds plays almost purely on transitions. They look to press high and force turnovers. That strategy worked very well for them in beating Chelsea 3-0 at home and winning 2-1 at Liverpool.

Jesse March would take a draw from this match but certainly isn’t going to set up for a point even if his side only have 30-40% of the ball possession.

Key Stats

Spurs have lost 4 of their last 7 PL matches

Tottenham have won 8 of their last 10 home matches (PL)

Spurs have trailed 2-0 in each of their last 5 domestic fixtures (L4)

Leeds have conceded in their last 8 away PL fixtures

Leeds have lost 4 of their last 5 away matches

Leeds-Spurs matches have seen 14 goals in their last 4 meetings

Verdict

There should be goals in this one with Spurs leaking for fun and Leeds conceding in each of their last eight on their travels. Spurs are strong at home but Jesse March’s side can’t be underestimated after beating Chelsea and Liverpool this season. A home win does look most likely.

Best Bet: Tottenham win at 1.64
Alternative Bet: Over 3.5 goals at 2.40
Multiplier Leg: Tottenham Win/Draw double chance + over 2.5 goals at 1.95

James O'Connor

James is a football analyst who writes about the tactics of the PSL and English Premier League. He holds the UEFA A coaching licence and has previously worked for several clubs in analysis roles.Twitter: https://twitter.com/footy_analysis