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Sports Mole anticipates Saturday’s Premier League clash between Tottenham Hotspur and Leeds United, including predictions, team news and possible line-ups.
Tottenham Hotspur will aim to start the New Year off on the right foot when they welcome Leeds United north of London for Saturday’s Premier League match.
The visitors defeated West Bromwich Albion 5-0 midweek, while Tottenham’s clash with Fulham was postponed due to a coronavirus outbreak at the Cottagers’ camp.
Match preview
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Fulham’s visit would have represented the perfect opportunity for Tottenham to get back on the winning track and end the year on a high note, but as was the case with numerous mid-week matches, the London derby had to be canceled afterwards. of Fulham reporting multiple coronaviruses. cases.
On the other hand, Jose MourinhoThe men would have been grateful for a few more days off after a grueling encounter with Wolverhampton Wanderers, in which the Spurs coach groomed his team to defend and did not reap the rewards.
Tanguy ndombele it took just 57 seconds to break the deadlock at Molineux last Sunday, but the Wolves deservedly leveled Romain saiss in the dying embers of the match, and Mourinho once again received strong criticism for his perceived negative style of play.
Since then, the Spurs have escaped the title race amid a period in disappointing fashion, and that draw with the Wolves extended their winless streak in the top flight to four games since a 2-0 win at the North London derby over Arsenal earlier this month.
Having been side by side with Liverpool for most of the campaign thus far, Mourinho’s side are now seven points behind the champions, although a top four spot is still within their grasp against Manchester United. Aston Villa and Everton. go out to the field on Friday.
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Meanwhile, West Bromwich Albion’s rearguard produced a stellar performance to restrict Liverpool to just one goal last weekend, but the Baggies’ defense was too easily violated by Marcelo bielsaLeeds.
The Whites scored four times in the first half, with Ezgjan Alioski, Jack Harrison and Rodrigo network after Romaine Sawyerscomical own goal – and a delicious goal from Raphinha completed the loss at The Hawthorns on Tuesday night.
Aside from their narrow 1-0 win over Burnley last weekend, Leeds just don’t do low scoring matters, and Bielsa’s talented attacking contingent is sure to enjoy their chances against a Spurs team that has become famous. for sitting down.
However, Leeds’ defensive weaknesses are still there, West Brom are the only team to have sent more goals than the Whites this season, but the 30 goals that Bielsa’s men have scored on the right end of the field can only be surpassed by Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea.
Leeds have risen to 11th place in the table after scoring nine points in their last four games, and if West Ham suffer a defeat at Everton on Friday, the Whites would surpass the whole of the capital if at least they can keep Spurs in a tie this weekend.
Tottenham Hotspur Premier League form status: DWDLLD
Tottenham Hotspur form (all competitions): WDLLWD
Leeds United Premier League form status: LLWLWW
Team news
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Mourinho opted to deploy a three-man defense against the Wolves, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Spurs coach return to a 4-2-3-1 here after last weekend’s disappointing result.
Gareth Bale and Young Lo Celso Both will be on the sidelines for a couple of weeks at least, and there are also doubts about the fitness of the Brazilian attackers. Carlos Vinicius and Lucas Moura, but both players are expected to be fine.
Several changes of the draw can be expected in Molineux by the hosts, with Serge aurier, Moussa Sissoko and Steven Bergwijn potentially returning to the team.
As for the visitors, Mateusz klich He lasted just under an hour against West Brom before being hit in the thigh, and the midfielder is doubtful for this encounter.
Pablo Hernandez or Jamie Shackleton could be a substitute in midfield if Klich is not cleared to play, while defenders Liam cooper and Diego Llorente both are expected to be lost once more.
Possible starting line-up for Tottenham Hotspur:
Lloris; Aurier, Alderweireld, Dier, Reguilon; Hojbjerg, Sissoko; Bergwijn, Ndombele, Jr.; Kane
Possible starting lineup of Leeds United:
Meslier; Dallas, Ayling, Struijk, Alioski; Phillips; Raphinha, Rodrigo, Hernandez, Harrison; Bamford
We say: Tottenham Hotspur 2-2 Leeds United
It has all the characteristics of an exciting game. Tottenham’s pace on the counterattack could prove deadly against an exhausted Leeds defense, but the relentless pressure and affinity for goals from the Whites should serve them well against this Mourinho side. Spurs will be desperate to put their miserable 2020 finale behind them right away, but we can see Leeds coming out with a point from this showdown.
Top betting tip
Our expert advice partners at Sporita.com predict that both teams will score (BTTS – yes) in this match. Click here to find out what else they predict for this game and to learn more about their tried and true soccer tips.BTTS Yes: data
Video prediction
Check out Sports Mole Football Shorts’ prediction for this game below:
