Leeds United are aiming to return to winning ways as they take on Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday. It is a vital encounter for the Whites, who have slipped to the other end of the Premier League table following their 2-0 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion. Things could get tricky up against an in-form Spurs side that won against Sheffield United by a 4-0 margin in their last game.
Predicted Leeds United Lineup Vs Tottenham Hotspur
Defence
Liam Cooper has served his three-game suspension after picking up a red card against Manchester City. He is set to replace Pascal Struijk in what could be the only defensive change for Leeds United in this game.
Struijk has produced good performances whenever he has been given an opportunity this season. However, it is Cooper who will be hoping to renew his central defensive partnership alongside the in-form Diego Llorente on Saturday.
Elsewhere, the fullbacks almost pick themselves as Luke Ayling and Ezgjan Alioski have both emerged as guaranteed starters in their respective positions. It will be imperative that these two remain solid at the back, up against the likes of Gareth Bale and Son Heung-Min this weekend.
Meanwhile, Illan Meslier could brace himself for a tough time in goal against the mighty Tottenham attack. The young Frenchman is looking for his 11th clean sheet of the campaign.
Midfield
Kalvin Phillips was a massive absentee for Leeds United in their last game against Brighton & Hove Albion. Marcelo Bielsa, though, hasn’t confirmed whether he would be fit to start against Tottenham, but his progress is being monitored.
Phillips’ potential absence, coupled with Cooper’s return, could pave the way for Struijk to operate in the holding midfield role ahead of Robin Koch. The Dutchman is far more familiar in this position and may offer better protection for the four-man backline.
Alongside Struijk, Bielsa should persist with the attacking midfield duo of Tyler Roberts and Stuart Dallas as they continue to maintain their good form going forward.
Attack
Another major doubt for Leeds United heading into this game is Raphinha. The Brazilian has missed a few games with injury. However, we do expect the Brazilian to return to action and even start alongside Jack Harrison in the wider attacking roles. Unfortunately for Bielsa, he doesn’t have too many alternatives, as Helder Costa has been ruled out with an injury.
As for the number nine role, none other than Patrick Bamford will occupy that position as he looks to rekindle his goalscoring form of 2020 this weekend.
