Leeds United are hoping to extend their winning run to three games in all competitions when they lock horns with Tottenham Hotspur on New Year’s Day. The Whites have been excellent touch recently, notably securing a thumping 5-0 win over West Bromwich Albion in midweek. However, things could get much more difficult against a Spurs side who have overperformed under Jose Mourinho this season.
Predicted Leeds United Lineup Vs Tottenham Hotspur
Defence
There were no signs of Diego Llorente or Liam Cooper in the midweek clash against the Baggies. And with Leeds performing well in recent games, Marcelo Bielsa is unlikely to tinker with the central defensive duo of Luke Ayling and the young Pascal Struijk.
Ayling operating at centre-back also means that Stuart Dallas should once again retain his place at right-back, with Ezgjan Alioski being deployed on the opposite flank. They will be hoping to continue their good run of form, especially after an excellent showing in midweek.
Illan Meslier, meanwhile, should continue in goal despite showing signs of his error-prone nature in the last two matches. Bielsa, it seems, has acknowledged the marvellous set of saves the Frenchman has made this season.
Midfield
Bielsa faced a potential injury blow in midweek as Mateusz Klich limped off against West Brom in the second half. He remains a fresh doubt heading into this game. Although we do expect the Pole to recover in time, Dallas is on standby to replace him in midfield. It could open up an opportunity for Jamie Shackleton to operate at right-back, although a role reversal is also a possibility.
Nevertheless, Klich should once again continue his midfield partnership alongside Kalvin Phillips, who is set to operate in a deeper role as usual. It will be interesting to see how the Englishman deals with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg this weekend.
Attack
Bielsa has no reason to make any changes to the side that scored five goals against the Baggies in the last game. The likes of Richarlison, Rodrigo Moreno and Jack Harrison have indeed caused a lot of problem for the Premier League defences this season. They should all start in the final third this weekend, just in behind the main striker in Patrick Bamford.
The Englishman surprisingly failed to find the back of the net against West Brom, but his incredible record away from home means that he is a favourite to score in this game.
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