Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi is not getting carried away after two straight wins, and he admits that Leeds will be a tough test tonight.
Spurs climbed out of the bottom three with a 2-1 win away to Aston Villa last weekend, and now they have the chance to build on that against a Leeds side who have fought their way out of the relegation zone after an impressive run. – Sunday was a good day for Tottenham, West Ham, who are fighting for the last place below the line in the Premier League, lost at home at the London Stadium against Arsenal.
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Tottenham can put a good distance down to the red line in a few hours at home at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Daniel Farke’s men have delivered a formidable return to the top flight, and De Zerbi knows that Leeds must not be underestimated.
“First of all, we are playing against one of the best teams in the league right now,” he said.
“In the last five or six games, they’ve beaten Manchester United, drawn against Bournemouth and played well. They have also won two home games – against Wolves and Burnley. We have great respect for that. We can’t think any other way. We must stick to this mentality. We must remain humble. Nothing has changed. We have to prepare for an important game.
Conor Gallagher scored the opening goal against Villa, and De Zerbi was thrilled to see the England midfielder finally deliver the goods after a slow start following his move from Atletico Madrid in January.
The Italian added:
“I’m happy. He came to a difficult situation. He had some problems in the beginning. He is an important player and I am happy to see him in this form. I said after the Villa game that when Gallagher plays well, his team plays with one player more than the opponent.
Farke did not attend his usual media duties on Friday due to illness, so assistant Eddie Riemer met with the press in his place.
Riemer said:
“This will be a big test. Spurs will go for the win, and the manager has managed to get them out of the relegation zone. Therefore, we have to be ready and maintain our top form. We are in better shape now than we have been all season. We want to end the season in the best possible way and ensure mathematical survival as soon as possible.
Guglielmo Vicario is not injury-free, so Antonin Kinsky continues in goal for Spurs. James Maddison is close to a comeback, but not ready yet.
Ben Davies, Dominic Solanke, Mohammed Kudus, Dejan Kulusevski, Wilson Odobert, Cristian Romero and Xavi Simons are all out.
Leeds left-back Gabriel Gudmundsson is out injured, while Noah Okafor is a big question mark due to a calf problem. Pascal Struijk trained last week and should be available.
Predicted starting line-ups for Tottenham vs. Leeds
Tottenham: Kinsky – Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Udogie – Palhinha, Bentancur, Gallagher – Kolo Muani, Tel – Richarlison
Leeds: Darlow – Rodon, Bijol, Struijk – Bogle, Stach, Ampadu, Tanaka, Justin – Nmecha, Calvert-Lewin
Where to watch Tottenham vs Leeds: TV and online streams
Tottenham vs Leeds kicks off at 20:00. The match will be broadcast on the Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, and it will also be available to stream via Sky Go.
If you are watching the match from outside the UK, you can click HERE for details of the channels showing the match in your region.
Tottenham vs. Leeds stats
“Spurs have only taken 11 points from 17 home games in the Premier League this season.
“Leeds have not lost any of their last six away games in the Premier League.
“Spurs have won the last five meetings between the teams.
– Spurs won the second leg 2-1 at Elland Road in October.
Tottenham vs. Leeds prediction
Spurs look transformed under De Zerbi, although he has also been helped by the return of several key players from injury.
The first goal will be the key. If Spurs get it, they can outrun Leeds. If, on the other hand, the goal goes to the visitors, the well-known insecurity will spread throughout the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Divination: Tottenham 1–2 Leeds
