Tottenham host Leeds in their final game before the winter break for the World Cup, with both teams looking to end on a high.
Spurs’ have been going through a torrid time of late, with recent results such as their losses to Newcastle, Liverpool and against Nottingham Forest in the cup, undoing the good results picked up earlier in the season.
This drop in form is simultaneous with the injury to South Korean international Son Heung Min, which has seen their attacking threat drop massively, with Son’s blistering pace on the counterattack a big aspect of their attacking play.
Harry Kane does continue to score, but it is clear to see he is missing his striker partner. However, Tottenham were offered a boost with the return of Dejan Kulusevski against Liverpool. The Swede could play a big part if Spurs are to beat Leeds on Saturday.
Leeds, on the other hand, have started to pick up some results in the league, with late goals earning them back-to-back wins against Liverpool and Bournemouth.
After a worrying period of form for Jesse Marsch’s team, these wins come at a great time for both the club and the manager, with them sitting in the bottom three beforehand.
They now currently sit in 15th in the table and three points above the bottom three, with a game in hand above those below. A win in this game will certainly ease the pressure of hitting the ground running after the winter break, so they will be sure to give their all against a struggling Tottenham.
Team News
Antonio Conte is offered a huge boost to his attacking options, with both Kulusevski and Richarlison featuring from the bench in midweek. He expects both will be fit to start on Saturday.
Son, who has declared himself able to play for South Korea in this year’s World Cup, will still miss out on this match after surgery to his eye socket.
Whilst Christian Romero remains on the sidelines, with a calf injury, so he is set to miss out.
Luis Sinisterra and Stuart Dallas remain on the sidelines with long-term injuries, both could be out until after the World Cup break.
Patrick Bamford is facing a late fitness test with a groin problem, but there is hope he could play some part on the weekend.
Archie Gray and Adam Forshaw are not likely to be fit for this game, whilst there are doubts over Joe Geldhardt, who needs to be assessed after leaving the field against Wolves.
Likely Lineups
Tottenham: Lloris, Emerson Royal, Lenglet, Dier, Davies, Perisic, Hojbjerg, Bentancur, Kulusevski, Richarlison, Kane
Leeds: Meslier, Kristensen, Koch, Cooper, Struijk, Adams, Roca, Harrison, Aaronson, Summerville, Rodrigo
Key Players
He continues to be the Starman in the team, with an impressive goals return in the Premier League, only bettered by Erling Haaland. Due to the Norweigan’s hugely impressive goal tally, Kane has not got the recognition he deserves, especially in a massively defensive side.
11 goals in 14 games is a very impressive return considering the inconsistent performance from his side, showing how he can be a threat to any side, which will certainly be the case against Leeds.
The returns of the attacking duo Kulusevski and Richarlison will surely increase his chances of having an influence on the game, offering better opportunities to link play and make runs beyond the Leeds backline to feed the England captain.
The Dutch winger is finally starting to make his mark in England and the Premier League, with his performances of late. His pace, power, and ability to carry the ball forward are attributes you wish for of any Premier League winger, which is made even more impressive with his size, standing at 5’5.
He inspired his side to late goals against Liverpool at Anfield, and at Elland Road against Bournemouth, where they had to come from 3-1 down to eventually win the game 4-3. Both goals were well taken, and shows the quality the 21-year-old possesses, he will certainly pose a threat on Saturday.
Match Details
Where is the match being played?
The match is being played at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
What time does the match kick-off?
The match kicks off at 3 pm on Saturday 11th November.
How can I watch the match?
The match will not be broadcast live in the UK; however, highlights will be available on Sky Sports platforms after the match.