class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>The match represents a clash of two very different tactical approaches, and Al Hain-Cole expects Spurs' pragmatic style to nullify Bielsa's tactics
Tottenham will be determined to get 2021 off to a winning start when they welcome Leeds United to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday.
Jose Mourinho’s men endured a difficult end to the year in the Premier League, slipping down from first place to seventh after taking just two points from a possible 12.
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Tottenham vs Leeds Latest Odds
However, they are 3/4 (1.75) favourites with bet365 to begin the new year on a high by returning to winning ways here.
Leeds are just three points adrift of their hosts after winning three of their last four matches and can be backed at 16/5 (4.20) to pull level by coming out on top in north London.
The last meeting between these sides in the capital ended in a 2-2 draw back in 2010’s FA Cup clash, and you can get odds of 31/10 (4.10) on them cancelling each other out once again.
Tottenham vs Leeds team News
Giovani Lo Celso and Gareth Bale are both still sidelined through injury, although Japhet Tanganga is once again available for selection.
Mateusz Klich will face a late fitness test after picking up a knock in Tuesday’s 5-0 win at West Brom, while Liam Cooper is also doubtful and Robin Koch, Gaetano Berardi, Diego Llorente and Adam Forshaw are all ruled out.
Tottenham vs Leeds Preview
While Marcelo Bielsa has kept everyone entertained with his side’s all-or-nothing brand of football that produces lots of goals at both ends of the pitch, his opposite number’s philosophy is far more pragmatic.
Indeed, Spurs have scored just 11 goals and conceded only seven in their last 10 matches in the league, a run that includes games against Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool.
Although results have taken a bit of a downturn over the last few fixtures, the Portuguese manager is unlikely to waver from his conservative approach that involves keeping things tight and hitting teams on the counter-attack.
Tottenham vs Leeds Tips and Predictions
Considering the effectiveness of Tottenham’s spoiling tactics, odds of 8/11 (1.73) seem like excellent value on them keeping Leeds at arm’s length and ensuring under 3.5 goals for their 11th consecutive league game.
All odds correct at time of writing, Please gamble responsibly.