Leeds United’s next battle in their bid to avoid relegation from the Premier League comes in the form of Tottenham Hotspur, as Archie Gray returns to Elland Road.
Leeds are in a good place at the moment, even if they conceded a late equaliser against Bournemouth. Eight points from six games, sitting in 11th place, a position Daniel Farke would be delighted to finish in.
Not only that, but The Whites remain unbeaten at Elland Road. Draws against Newcastle and Andoni Iraola’s side, as well as a win over Everton. It is 23 games since Leeds last lost in the league at home.
Farke’s men are closer than ever to beating Don Revie’s 1968-1970 home record of 39 games without defeat, since Howard Wilkinson’s attempts in 1992. They will hope to continue that on Saturday.
Going into the game, reports confirmed that Dan James had suffered an ankle injury and is set to be on the sidelines for the next few weeks. However, it was expected Lucas Perri and Willy Gnonto would be fit.
Leeds dropped a hint on social media that it would be Darlow in goal, regardless of Perri’s availability. Farke confirmed James, Gnonto and Perri will all miss out, while Harry Gray is a doubt for the clash.
“Mixed news. A few negative bits. Daniel James will be out for a few weeks. He rolled his ankle in training. The doctor says 4-6 weeks. Realistically, we will expect him back after the November international break.
“Willy Gnonto will miss this game, his calf problems remain. He will sadly be back after this international break. Not available for Tottenham. Question marks behind Harry Gray, some problems with his hip flexor.
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“Not sure if he will make it for Saturday. A few problems. Good news, Lucas Perri is back in team training since yesterday, but too early to involve him in this game. I expect him on the other side of the break.”
How Leeds are now expected to line-up on Saturday v Tottenham
The majority of the team was always going to pick itself. The defence has been excellent so far, all six starting every game. That will continue on Saturday unless something happens between now and then.
The midfield, too. Anton Stach is joint-third for chances created, Longstaff is a nominee for Player of the Week and Ethan Ampadu is, well, Ethan Ampadu. Up top, Dominic Calvert-Lewin continues to impress.
He may have missed a few chances but he is expected to get the nod, especially after Calvert-Lewin scored and created another goal in his last game against Tottenham. Noah Okafor should start as well.