Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United travel to face Jose Mourinho’s side, to begin the new year of 2021. The match promises to be an intriguing encounter, after a wait of over 17 years since the Whites last visited the North London based side in a league match. 

Spurs need little introduction, with a forward line that has been one of the most prolific in the world, never mind just the Premier League. The form of Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son has seen Tottenham labelled potential title contenders this season. The duo have scored 20 goals and assisted 14 times between them in league fixtures so far this term. 

Having been at the top end of the division following an excellent run of results, Spurs have slipped to 7th and are without a win in their last four matches. Only one of those four were at home though, which saw them lose to fellow high-flyers Leicester City. 

Leeds come into the match on the back of two wins and two clean sheets. The 5-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion meant Bielsa’s side gained their fourth away shut-out of the season (sixth overall), following up on an impressive defensive display to defeat Burnley in the previous match. 

The stunning performance against WBA saw five different goal-scorers for the Whites. That’s the second time in four matches that has happened, after also netting five against Newcastle United through different names, showing that the side can offer multiple threats from all over the pitch.  

A win for the home side could see them propel back up the rankings and into a Champions League place. They have also played a game less than their rivals, following the recent postponement against Fulham.

The Whites could move into the top half of the table and level on points with Mourinho’s side, should they win the match. An intriguing encounter awaits. 

Manager/head coach

Spurs: Jose Mourinho

Leeds: Marcelo Bielsa

League position

Spurs: 7th

Leeds: 11th

Premier League form

Spurs: WDLLD

Leeds: LWLWW

Premier League top scorer

Spurs: Heung-Min Son (11)

Leeds: Patrick Bamford (10)

Head to head

Spurs: 36

Draws: 29

Leeds: 32

Last time at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

This will be Leeds’ first visit! However, we last visited White Hart Lane in 2010.

Saturday 23 January, 2010

FA Cup

Spurs 2 (Crouch 42’, Pavlyuchenko 75’)

Leeds 2 (Beckford 52’, 90+6’ pen)

Team news

After a busy Christmas spell of fixtures, changes are usually expected. Leeds have named the same starting XI in their last two matches and after back-to-back wins and clean sheets, Bielsa may opt to continue this for a third time.  

If there are changes, Diego Llorente and Liam Cooper will be hoping to return to the squad following injury. However, we await whether the defensive duo will be ready for the trip to Spurs.  

Gareth Bale will be missing from the squad on Saturday lunchtime, with the winger being confirmed as out for a few weeks with a calf injury. Also out or doubtful for the game will be Giovani Lo Celso, Lucas Moura and Carlos Vinicius.

Officials

Referee - David Coote

Assistant Referee 1 - Lee Betts

Assistant Referee 2 - Nick Hopton

Fourth Official - Graham Scott

Video Assistant Referee - Paul Tierney

The key battle

Harry Kane vs Patrick Bamford

Both strikers have been in the goals so far this season and will be looking to add to that tally on Saturday lunchtime. Bamford is one ahead of his fellow Englishman with 10, whereas Kane’s nine strikes are backed up by the fact he leads the assist charts for Spurs with 10.

Despite being at opposite ends of the pitch and not in a direct battle, the forwards will be key for each side as they look to gain wins for their respective teams in a match that is likely to see plenty of chances. 

Latest odds

Spurs: 4/5

Draw: 3/1

Leeds: 29/10

How to watch

The game will be broadcast on BT Sport, with live commentary on LUTV.