Preview: Tottenham Hotspur vs Leeds United

Preview: Tottenham Hotspur vs Leeds United

A look ahead at Sunday’s encounter.

Leeds United travel to face Tottenham Hotspur in London on Sunday afternoon (16:30), returning to action after the latest international break. 

The Whites head into the game on a three-match unbeaten run. Draws with Wolves and Leicester saw a point gained in each, either side of an important three points gained away at Norwich City. 

Tottenham have been in indifferent league form this campaign. After having an early stint at the top of the division with three wins in August, a loss of form saw Nuno Espirito Santo depart the club, to be replaced by World-renown head coach, Antonio Conte. 

The Italian is a former Premier League winning boss having secured the title with Chelsea, and he will now take charge of his first home match in North London on Sunday. It will be Conte’s first ever meeting with both Marcelo Bielsa, and Leeds. 

Both meetings between the two teams last season saw three goals scored by the home team. The first clash was at the beginning of the year and saw Spurs run out 3-0 winners, whilst Leeds secured the three points at Elland Road in May, with a 3-1 success

Tottenham’s potent frontline will as always need close attention from Bielsa’s chosen defence. Harry Kane, fresh from seven goals on England duty this week, has five in the league up to now. His partner up-top is Son Heung-Min, who also has five. 

With five a key number, Raphinha joins the Spurs front pairing on the same amount of goals so far this term. Five is also the gap in points between the two sides after 11 matches played. 

Sunday’s encounter will be the 100th meeting between the two teams and the overall record is quite close during that time, but Spurs are slightly ahead on wins. 

A Leeds win on Sunday could see them move up to 13th in the standings, whilst Conte’s could move his new side go 6th, but they would also need a big turn in goal difference. 


Manager/head coach:

Spurs: Antonio Conte

Leeds: Marcelo Bielsa


What Marcelo Bielsa said ahead of the match?

“Antonio Conte is a manager who has a set style of play and that distinguishes from all other managers. He’s a genuine representative of his country in terms of managers. He’s triumphed in every team that he has managed, he’s a reference in world football, not only in the league he participates in.”


League position

Spurs: 10th

Leeds: 17th


Premier League form

Spurs: WWLLD

Leeds: WLDWD


Top scorer

Spurs: Son Heung-Min, Harry Kane (5)

Leeds: Raphinha (5)


Head to head

Spurs: 37

Draw: 29

Leeds: 33


A memorable Leeds United moment against Spurs


Team news

Marcelo Bielsa has confirmed that Patrick Bamford, Luke Ayling and Robin Koch will all still be missing at the weekend. Junior Firpo and Jamie Shackleton could be involved if selected, but they are lacking match fitness the head coach has stated.

For Spurs. Oliver Skipp is suspended, Christian Romero is missing with an injury, whilst Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Giovani Lo Celso remain doubtful for the game, but could be assessed closer to kick-off to see if they can be involved.


Officials

Referee - Andre Marriner

Assistant Referee 1 - Simon Long

Assistant Referee 2 - Scott Ledger

Fourth Official - Kevin Friend

Video Assistant Referee - Darren England


The key battle

Harry Kane v Rodrigo

Take an in-depth look at the battle between two international strikers. Both of them have been in action of their countries over the break and are likely to lead the line on Sunday afternoon. 


Latest odds

Spurs: 3/4

Draw: 14/5

Leeds: 7/2


How to watch

The match is being shown live on Sky Sports, with commentary available as always through LUTV. 


Supporter information

 

X