Roberto De Zerbi has the luxury of making numerous changes to the Tottenham Hotspur starting lineup this weekend
Roberto De Zerbi could make just two changes to the starting lineup when Tottenham Hotspur face Leeds United. The Lilywhites will look to climb the Premier League table when they face Daniel Farke’s side on Saturday afternoon, with a European qualification spot suddenly up for grabs.
Last weekend, Spurs enjoyed a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace to climb into the top half of the table for the first time this season. Now, if Tottenham manage a fourth successive league victory for the first time since October 2023, and other results fail in their favour, they could squeeze into the top five.
Meanwhile, Leeds United will be desperate to return to winning ways after a five-game barren run. The West Yorkshire outfit haven't tasted victory in the Premier League since September when they enjoyed a 4-1 win over Newcastle United.
Although the Lilywhites may fancy their chances this weekend, they’ve not won a game prior to an international break in well over a year, when, ironically enough, they beat Leeds United in October 2025.
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So, with that being said, football.london has selected the Spurs starting lineup to face Leeds United.
One change to Tottenham backline
Pedro Porro should keep his place in the starting lineup when Tottenham face Leeds United. Archie Gray did well in the first half of Saturday night's win over Crystal Palace, but De Zerbi will find it difficult to leave one of the best right-backs in the world on the bench again.
Tonali and Fernandes remain in midfield
Although Rodrigo Bentancur and Lucas Bergvall are set to be available for selection again after missing each of the last three Premier League games due to suspension and injury, respectively, Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes should remain in the double pivot.
De Zerbi hardly dropped the Uruguayan before he was given his marching orders at Old Trafford last month, but his absence seems to have brought the best out of his teammates. It'll be interesting to see how Tonali and Fernandes get on at Elland Road, especially with Ethan Ampadu treading the disciplinary tightrope; he's just a yellow card away from a one-match ban.
Maddison replaces Marmoush
James Maddison could be a clever addition to the starting lineup on Saturday afternoon. Although Omar Marmoush may give Tottenham an edge on the break, especially in what could quickly turn into a basketball match, De Zerbi will want ultimate control at Elland Road.
So, Maddison should take the reins in the middle of the park. The Lilywhites may become a little reliant on countering down the wings, but while in possession, there's no better player in the squad than the England international who can pull the strings.
Otherwise, Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus should remain on the wings, while Dominic Solanke keeps his place up top. It would be great to see Luca Williams-Barnett feature off the bench again, but so long as Spurs are actually in a position to do so; De Zerbi needs to carefully manage him, and that means protecting him from disappointment after such a high at the weekend.
De Zerbi makes two changes
All in all, De Zerbi should make just two changes to the starting lineup on Saturday afternoon. Porro would offer Tottenham a little more quality going forward, while Maddison could bring some much-needed composure and control to the midfield in what could quickly turn into a basketball match.
If Spurs do find themselves behind or defending a lead on the ropes, De Zerbi will be spoiled for choice with options off the bench. The Italian could have the luxury of choosing from Omar Marmoush, Dejan Kulusevski, Conor Gallagher, Rodrigo Bentancur, Lucas Bergval, and, of course, Luca Williams-Barnett...