Leeds United’s ambitions of leapfrogging Tottenham in the Premier League table could be severely tested by an opponent suddenly producing their best domestic results in years.
Match News and Current Form
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke is yet to sign the agreement in principle he has reached on a contract extension until 2029, perhaps in part because the club are now on a five-game winless run after losing 2-0 away to Bournemouth last weekend (D3, L2). They began the round just four points off fifth place and the same distance from 17th, and whilst Farke is unlikely to emulate predecessors Sam Allardyce and Marcelo Bielsa by ending his tenure immediately after a heavy loss at home to Tottenham, a third consecutive home game without victory may intensify the pressure that built from failing to beat lowly-ranked pair Manchester United (1-1) and Crystal Palace (0-0) in their last two home outings.
Assisted by the gradual shrinking of a once-enormous injury list, Tottenham boss Roberto de Zerbi appears to have flicked a switch in October, converting a six-game winless start to the Premier League season (D3, L3) into a mid-table position and with the top five within reach. Following their wins over Coventry (3-1), Chelsea (2-0) and Crystal Palace (2-0), Tottenham are now looking to record four consecutive Premier League victories for the first time since early 2023/24, and they should be confident of at least coming away with a point now that they’re undefeated in three away trips in this competition (W1, D2).
Head-to-Head History
Tottenham have won ten of the last 13 Premier League H2Hs (D2, L1) whilst scoring at least one goal in each of the last 16. That includes four wins from their last five league trips to Elland Road (L1).
Hot Stats and Streaks
Leeds have scored 0-1 goals in eight of their nine Premier League games this season.
Seven of Leeds’ nine league games this season produced under 2.5 goals.
Three-quarters of Premier League goals scored or conceded by Spurs this season came after half-time.
Seven of Tottenham’s eight wins or losses in all competitions this season were by a 2+ goal margin.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin has scored or assisted in three of his last five appearances against Tottenham, with his club picking up points in all three (W1, D2). Mathys Tel rounded off Spurs’ win away to Chelsea and has now scored six of his eight goals for the club after half-time, including against Leeds last season.
Noah Okafor is a doubt after missing Leeds’ last match with a groin problem, whilst Tottenham will assess Lucas Bergvall and Tosin Adarabioyo closer to matchday.
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Betting Analysis
With neither team being strong scorers early on, there could be value in backing a 0-0 half-time draw.
Author: Aaron Murphy