Spurs vs Leeds Preview: Tottenham Fight for Survival Under Roberto De Zerbi

From despair to hope, a revitalised Tottenham Hotspur side, led by influential coach Roberto De Zerbi, host an in-form Leeds United on Monday night in a crucial battle for Premier League survival.

Leeds have already secured Premier League safety and now sit comfortably in 14th place. Spurs, meanwhile, are just one point above the relegation zone and remain desperate for a first home win since December. Ending that miserable run could prove vital if they are to secure Premier League football at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next season.

Since De Zerbi’s appointment, Tottenham’s fortunes have gradually begun to shift. There is now a growing sense of optimism around the club an intangible energy surrounding the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, fuelled by belief among both players and supporters that Spurs can still do enough to survive.

For the first time in months, Spurs appear united in their cause, having collected seven points from a possible nine: a draw against Brighton & Hove Albion followed by back-to-back away victories against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa.

There has perhaps also been an element of fortune involved, facing an already relegated Wolves side and a heavily rotated Villa team focused on a Europa League second leg.

Spurs will now look to build on that momentum as they attempt to win three consecutive matches for the first time this season. Had it not been for Brighton’s dramatic 95th-minute equaliser recently, they would already have achieved that feat. Instead, the late disappointment only increased the players’ determination to finally give the home crowd something to celebrate.

With Leeds mathematically safe on 43 points and with comparatively little left to play for, Spurs know they must capitalise after West Ham United’s defeat against Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.

Leeds, however, are far from pushovers and have looked like an established Premier League side for several months following promotion from the Championship last season.

In fact, since Spurs last won a home league game a 2-0 victory over Brentford back in December only six Premier League teams have collected more points than Leeds.

Speaking at Friday’s press conference, assistant coach Reimer, deputising for Daniel Farke due to illness, said:

“In the form table we are the second-best team at the moment.”

Leeds are unbeaten in six matches and have looked equally rejuvenated following a historic victory at Old Trafford earlier in the campaign, which gave them renewed confidence heading into the final weeks of the season.

The Yorkshire side will still view their recent FA Cup semi-final defeat against a struggling Chelsea as a missed opportunity. However, they may still need more points, with difficult fixtures against West Ham and Brighton still to come before the season concludes.

Head-to-Head Record

Spurs have won each of their last five meetings against Leeds.

In the reverse fixture at Elland Road, Tottenham secured a 2-1 victory, with Mathys Tel opening the scoring. The other goalscorers that day Noah Okafor and Mohammed Kudus are unavailable for Monday’s clash.

Team News

Leeds have several injury concerns ahead of Monday night’s game.

Left-back Gabriel Gudmundsson is unavailable, while in-form forward Okafor has suffered a calf injury that is expected to keep him out for the next two games.

There is more positive news regarding Pascal Struijk, however, after the defender returned to training with the Leeds squad on Friday.

For Spurs, there are no fresh injury concerns, and De Zerbi is expected to name the same starting XI that defeated Aston Villa.

Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario remains sidelined following a hernia operation, while striker Dominic Solanke continues his recovery from a minor hamstring injury.

Predicted Lineups

Tottenham Hotspur (4-2-3-1)

Kinsky; Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Udogie; Palhinha, Bentancur; Gallagher, Kolo Muani, Tel; Richarlison.

Leeds United (3-5-2)

Darlow; Rodon, Bijol, Struijk; Bogle, Tanaka, Ampadu, Stach, Justin; Calvert-Lewin, Nmecha.