London Evening Standard

Tough trip: Leeds vs Tottenham

ES Composite

Oli Gent

COMMENTS

Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Matt Verri

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Tottenham travel to Leeds this weekend hoping to return to winning ways after two consecutive draws in the Premier League.

That record extends to three draws in their last four in all competitions, after Thomas Frank’s side had to come from behind to snatch a point in the Arctic Circle in a 2-2 stalemate against Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League.

Spurs drew 2-2 with Brighton before being held 1-1 by Wolves, where Joao Palhinha scored a last-minute equaliser at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Leeds, meanwhile, are coming off the back of a win and a draw in their last two outings, beating Wolves 3-1 at Molineux before earning a solid point against Bournemouth.

Daniel Farke’s side sit 12th in the Premier League table, with Spurs in fourth.

Date, kick-off time and venue

Leeds vs Tottenham is scheduled for a 12.30pm BST kick off on Saturday October 4, 2025.

The match will take place at Elland Road.

Where to watch Leeds vs Tottenham

TV channel: You can watch this game live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage starting at 11.30am ahead of the 12.30pm kick off.

Live stream: TNT Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Discovery+ app and website.

Read More

Palace star earns first international call-up after superb form

English Football League assistant referee who ‘preyed’ on teenage girls jailed

How to watch Dynamo Kyiv vs Crystal Palace: TV channel and live stream today

Sponsored

Clays Soho: This virtual shooting location is a great way to socialise

Live blog: You can follow all the action with Standard Sport’s live blog, including expert insight from Matt Verri.

Leeds vs Tottenham team news

Dominic Solanke is the most high-profile absentee for Spurs after Thomas Frank ruled him out of the north Londoners’ trip to Norway, and it seems as though he won’t travel to Yorkshire either.

The striker is still struggling with an ankle injury that has plagued his start to the campaign.

Elsewhere, James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Radu Dragusin, Kota Takai, and Yves Bissouma are the longer-term absentees, but there could be a boost for Spurs with the return of new striker Randal Kolo Muani from a dead leg.

As for Leeds, they have three injury concerns. First-choice goalkeeper Lucas Perri is out until after the international break with a thigh issue, while wingers Wilfried Gnonto and Daniel James are sidelined with calf and ankle injuries respectively.

Leeds vs Tottenham prediction

Even with their injury problems, you would expect Tottenham to take three points here, but they have looked disjointed in attack in recent weeks.

New star signing Xavi Simons hasn’t fully convinced in his first few games as he acclimatises to English football, and he was dropped to the bench for the trip to Norway in midweek.

However, the Dutchman and fellow new recruit Mohammed Kudus were called upon to dig the north Londoners out of the hole they found themselves in in the Arctic Circle.

Leeds are a dangerous opponent - especially at home - and have their own threats, like Noah Okafor and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who seems to have hit some form since his arrival from Everton.

Draw, 1-1.

Head to head (h2h) history and results

Leeds wins: 33

Tottenham wins: 41

Draws: 29

Leeds vs Tottenham match odds

Leeds to win: 9/5

Tottenham to win: 8/5

Draw: 5/2

MORE ABOUT

Thomas Frank has confirmed that Micky van de Ven will be part of Tottenham’s leadership group this season.

The Dutchman captained Spurs for the first time on Tuesday night in the 2-2 draw with Bodo/Glimt and marked it with a goal, heading in to halve the deficit as the visitors came from two goals down to earn a point in Norway.

Van de Ven took the armband as a result of Cristian Romero missing out, with Frank insisting the decision to leave the Argentine in London was only a “precaution”.

The Spurs boss said at the start of the season that he would name a leadership group at the end of the transfer window, but that decision has been delayed due to other priorities.

Frank has regularly been asked about it in recent press conferences and it was brought up again after the draw with Bodo/Glimt, when the Dane was quizzed on whether Van de Ven being named as captain offered a hint that he would be included.

“Yes, I have made a decision. I haven't told the players yet, and that will be on Thursday. So I made the decision, but it's probably pretty obvious he will be.

“He has impressed me a lot as a player, but also as a communicator on the pitch. And a little bit of show of character. I think he was good today.”

Son is no longer at the club and Maddison is expected to miss most of the season with an ACL injury.

Spurs managed to avoid defeat against Bodo/Glimt but a worrying theme is emerging under Thomas Frank

Action Images via Reuters

Matt Verri

COMMENTS

Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Matt Verri

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

For the third time in four matches, Thomas Frank emerged for his post-match media duties and spoke on an increasingly familiar theme.

After Tottenham's 2-2 draw with Bodo/Glimt, Frank praised his side's character and mentality, and emphasised how important it was that they were capable of coming from two-goals down in the Champions League to earn a point.

He had done likewise ten days earlier after the same scoreline against Brighton, and again after Saturday's 1-1 draw with Wolves.

Resilience, though, should be a trait to fall back on, a way to grind out a result when the team are not at their best. It should not be a defining characteristic.

Frank was right to praise his team against Brighton. Against tough opposition they played well, looked more balanced in attack than they have for much of the season and eventually got their reward for taking the game to Brighton.

However, the strength of character to come from behind should not be needed at home to Wolves, a side who went into the match without a Premier League point.

Read More

Three things we learned from Tottenham draw as Frank gets it wrong

Rice hails 'insane' Dowman after making step up to Arsenal first team

Barcelona vs PSG lineups: Predicted XIs and confirmed team news

Sponsored

Is staying put the key to a happier work life?

Joao Palhinha's stoppage-time strike earned Spurs a draw, but up until that stage they had not looked like scoring and it was still a poor result.

Against Bodo/Glimt, Spurs were dreadful on the ball and far too passive off it. They were deservedly 2-0 down and it should have been more.

Tottenham trailed against Bodo/Glimt before completing a comeback

Getty Images

Even after scrapping to earn a draw, it did not feel like this was a result earned by resilience or character. The late equaliser did not come about by a relentless wave of Spurs attacks, but by a Bodo/Glimt own goal out of nothing. Own goals are now Spurs' top scorer this season.

Coming from behind to pick up points is of course a positive but it should not be happening so regularly. More of a pressing concern for Frank should be why his side keep finding themselves in these positions.

"That can be various reasons," Frank offered as an explanation.

"I think against Wolves we had no problem controlling in the beginning. I think we were by far the best team against Wolves in the first half.

"I think Brighton was a different game. I think also we were by far the best team in the first half.

"Today I felt we struggled in the first half. So I think that's the only time we struggled in the three games against a very good Bodo team."

Frank is correct in that against Brighton and Wolves, Spurs had periods in the first half when they were on top and failed to make it count.

Against Bodo/Glimt, there was none of that. Spurs sat too deep, showed their hosts too much respect and it felt only a matter of time until they fell behind.

It was hard not to think that both Spurs and Frank needed to be more proactive.

The first-half approach obviously not work in the opening 45 minutes and yet there were no changes at the break. Instead, only once Spurs did fall behind did Xavi Simons and Mohammed Kudus get introduced.

The players also waited to be stung into action. After Jens Petter Hauge's opener, Rodrigo Bentancur flicked in a goal two minutes later, but was denied by VAR. Once Hauge made it 2-0, Micky van de Ven pulled one back within a couple of minutes.

It should not take falling behind to show some intent. Spurs are short of players in attack and the midfield balance is lacking, but they are still good enough to be more front-footed against the likes of Wolves and Bodo/Glimt.

Comebacks are fun and galvanising in small doses. They are also unsustainable.

MORE ABOUT

Spurs and their coach will know they did not deserve to leave northern Norway with a point

Action Images via Reuters

Matt Verri

COMMENTS

Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Matt Verri

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

The good news for Tottenham is that they have four points from their opening two Champions League matches.

They can be grateful for those, with Thomas Frank’s side doing little to deserve the point they came away from Norway with after a 2-2 draw with Bodo/Glimt.

On an eventful night, Jens Petter Hauge scored twice after the hosts had already missed a penalty. Rodrigo Bentancur had a goal ruled out by VAR, but Micky van de Ven pulled one back and an 89th-minute own goal from Jostein Gundersen left Spurs somehow flying home with a draw.

Although it is not a bad result, the manner of the performance is worrying, particularly as it continued some of the familiar shortcomings from recent matches.

New challenge: Thomas Frank

Action Images via Reuters

Frank gets it wrong

It was a surprising team selection from Frank, who dropped Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons to the bench.

With Brennan Johnson and Wilson Odobert on the wings, Spurs were evidently set up to be a threat on the counter, presumably with the plan being that Lucas Bergvall and Pape Matar Sarr would press up and win the ball back.

That happened once early on, when Bergvall drove forward and created for Richarlison, but otherwise it was far too passive from Spurs.

Read More

Rice hails 'insane' Dowman after making step up to Arsenal first team

Barcelona vs PSG lineups: Predicted XIs and confirmed team news

Man City XI vs Monaco: Predicted lineup and confirmed team news

Sponsored

What do proposed changes to the Cleaner Vehicle Discount mean for you?

Bodo/Glimt had more than 60% of the ball and Spurs barely left their half, allowing the hosts to dominate and camp themselves outside the penalty area.

Richarlison joined his team-mates deep in their own territory and so there was no realistic way for them to get up the pitch, as Bodo/Glimt enjoyed wave after wave of attacks. No creativity, no outlet and no threat.

It was no surprise that Spurs looked immediately more threatening when Kudus and Simons were introduced on the hour mark.

Isolated: Richarlison had a hand in the equaliser but did not know much about it

Action Images via Reuters

Spurs have a striker problem

There were decisions to make in defence, in midfield and out wide for Frank when it came to his starting lineup, but Richarlison's name is effectively in permanent marker on the team sheet right now.

Dominic Solanke has an ankle injury and faces a longer spell on the sidelines after surgery, while Randal Kolo Muani is still recovering from a dead leg. With Mathys Tel not in the Champions League squad, Richarlison had to start.

The situation is a major concern for Spurs. Richarlison started the season in superb form and scored twice on the opening weekend but that feels a long time ago.

He now looks leggy and unable to hold the ball up as his side need. Against Bodo/Glimt he had four touches in the first half and five after the break.

Richarlison should have opened the scoring early on after a brilliant cross from Lucas Bergvall, but he failed to sort his feet out in time and the ball just bobbled off him.

The Brazilian could do with a rest - both he and Spurs need other forward options available.

Lacking: Brennan Johnson struggled all game

Action Images via Reuters

Momentum has stalled

A glance at only the results shows that Spurs are now unbeaten in six matches across all competitions.

That, though, feels somewhat misleading, with Spurs increasingly unconvincing rather than going through the gears. They are no longer getting the wins to make up for struggling performances.

They have come from two goals down against Brighton and Bodo/Glimt to earn draws, and scored late on to snatch a point against Wolves, but they are having to work much harder for these results than Frank would like.

A rock-solid defence characterised the early weeks of the season. However, Brighton and Wolves both had moments of success against Spurs and Bodo/Glimt could have scored three or four.

That is putting added pressure on the attack to start delivering more free-flowing, effective performances, yet again here chances in open play were few and far between.

A win over Doncaster is the only victory in the last four matches. There are more and more problems for Frank to solve as another international break looms.

MORE ABOUT

Thomas Frank was once again proud of the character his Tottenham side showed in coming from behind to earn a draw with Bodo/Glimt.

Spurs were second best for much of the night in Norway and fell 2-0 down in the second half, but Micky van de Ven pulled one back and a late own goal then saw them snatch a point.

It means Spurs have four points from their opening two Champions League matches, leaving them with a strong platform to qualify for the knockout stages.

“The positive is I think the mentality and the character of the players was very good,” Frank said.

“Stayed in the game. Kept fighting and that gave us a very good point away from home. When you’re 2-0 down in a Champions League game, and especially against a Bodo team that are very good here, then you need to be happy with that.

“I’m happy that we again got back into the game, I think that’s very positive. I think until 2-0 it’s fair to say, and especially in the first half, Bodo was better than us.”

This was the third time in four matches that Spurs had to come from behind to avoid a defeat.

They were 2-0 down against Brighton before responding to pick up a draw, and Joao Palhinha’s stoppage-time equaliser secured a point against Wolves on Saturday.

While Frank will be concerned that his side are requiring these comebacks, and that they were so poor for the majority of the match against Bodo/Glimt, the resilience has impressed him.

“It’s extremely important that we got back from 2-0 down against Brighton, we got back against Wolves and we got back again today,” Frank said.

“I think that’s hugely important that we show that mentality, and keep running, keep fighting hard. You need to do that in football, no matter if you’re on top of the game. Sometimes a team can score out of nothing.

Spurs were terrible in possession in the first half and their attackers offered very little, with Richarlison managing just four touches in the opening 45 minutes.

Struggling to create chances from open play has been a theme in recent weeks but Frank again insisted the solutions will come.

“I think in the first half there was definitely something in that we could have kept the ball a bit better,” Frank admitted.

“I don’t think that was only on Richarlison, I think it was a little bit of the structure of the team where we could have kept the ball better in situations. But that I’m not in doubt will improve.”

Allow Google Search

To use the search feature, we need your consent to load Google Custom Search, which may use cookies or similar technologies. Please click 'Allow and Continue' below to enable search. See our privacy policy for more information.

Spurs got away with a largely miserable performance

Action Images via Reuters

Matt Verri

COMMENTS

Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Matt Verri

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Tottenham were incredibly fortunate to earn a point as they drew 2-2 with Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League.

The hosts were dominant for much of the night in Norway, even with Kasper Hogh blazing a first-half penalty way over the bar.

Jens Hauge scored a brilliant brace to give Bodo/Glimt a deserved two-goal lead, before Micky van de Ven pulled one back quickly with a well-taken header.

Spurs once again found a late equaliser and they were lucky to do so, when the ball bounced off the goalkeeper, onto Jostein Gundersen and into his own net.

Here’s how Standard Sport rated the players on a poor night...

Guglielmo Vicario 5

Nothing he could do with either of the goals but he didn’t inspire much confidence when parrying over an early shot, and his distribution was shaky again.

Pedro Porro 5

Sublime cross for Van de Ven’s goal. His deliveries provided rare moments of quality in attack, but beaten far too easily for Hauge’s second goal. Booked in stoppage-time.

Read More

Woeful Spurs escape Arctic Circle with unlikely Champions League point

Bodo/Glimt vs Tottenham LIVE: Latest score and updates from Champions League

‘Sick’ Tube passenger sexually assaulted young woman on Central line

Sponsored

Is staying put the key to a happier work life?

Kevin Danso 4

Looked really uncomfortable on the ball and showed how much Spurs need Cristian Romero’s presence at the back. Toughest night in a while.

Micky van de Ven 6

Head briefly went in second half after he was penalised by VAR, flying into a rash sliding challenge shortly after. But headed in to give Spurs hope and was more composed than most in possession.

Djed Spence 5

Struggled to stop Bodo/Glimt getting in behind down his side. Tripped over his own feet when attempting a step-over to sum up Spurs’ night.

Rodrigo Bentancur 4

Crazy challenge to give away penalty, fortunate that it was blazed over. Had clever flicked goal ruled out by VAR. More advanced when Joao Palhinha came on but had little impact in final third.

Pape Matar Sarr 4

Well off his best on return to the starting lineup. Usually full of energy but it was easy to forget he was playing here. Did not look fully fit.

Lucas Bergvall 5

Powerful run forward to create opening for Richarlison but otherwise struggled to get involved. Frustrating performance for midfielder who has been in superb form.

Brennan Johnson 3

Offered absolutely nothing on his favoured right wing. Unlikely to get another opportunity there for a while - fortunate to make it to the hour mark.

Richarlison 3

Made a complete mess of an early chance and then barely had a touch. Didn’t hold the ball up at all, he looks tired and ineffective.

Wilson Odobert 5

The brightest of Spurs’ starting attackers, at least offering some drive and intent. End product still lacking but unfortunate to be denied by woodwork with late header.

Substitutes:

Xavi Simons (Bergvall 60’) 5

Several poor passes in a sloppy cameo. Some decent runs forward but given the freedom of the No10 role, but did not do enough.

Mohammed Kudus (Johnson 60’) 6

Strong as ever on the ball and tried to get at his man. Odobert should have scored from his brilliant cross.

Joao Palhinha (Sarr 69’) 5

More energetic than most of his team-mates but did not particularly help the push for an equaliser.

Destiny Udogie (Spence 82’) 6

Bright in getting forward late on, driving to the byline and winning a corner for his side. Looks in better form than Spence.

Archie Gray (Bentancur 82) 6

Made the difference for the equaliser, with his shot saved and bouncing off the defender for an own goal.

MORE ABOUT

Spurs are back in the Arctic Circle tonight, just four months on from an impressive 5-1 aggregate victory en route to Europa League glory. There was considerable discussion ahead of the games in May about the tough conditions facing Spurs, but they made light work of their Nordic opponents. Much has changed since, though.

With Thomas Frank now in charge of Spurs, the club are looking to win their two opening games of a Champions League season for just the second time, having scraped past Villarreal earlier this month. Spurs are yet to quite get going under their new manager, but another win in Norway will be another step forward for coach and club.

Bodo/Glimt, meanwhile, are debutants in the Champions League and began with a thrilling comeback from two goals down to draw 2-2 at Slavia Prague in their first game. Back in familiar surroundings, they will be gunning to get revenge on that defeat last season. Follow the game LIVE below with our dedicated match blog, featuring expert insight and analysis from Matt Verri.

Thomas Frank will be forced into a defensive reshuffle when Tottenham take on Bodo/Glimt tonight.

Spurs are in Norway for their second Champions League match but Cristian Romero has not travelled with the squad in a blow for the visitors.

Frank said that is just a “precaution” but it means Micky van de Ven will have a new partner alongside him at centre-back, with Kevin Danso expected to start.

Ben Davies is now fit again and has made the trip, though he is unlikely to come into the starting lineup. Pedro Porro should return after starting on the bench over the weekend.

Richarlison is set to have to start once again up front, despite looking fairly tired in the draw with Wolves on Saturday.

The Brazilian has little in the way of competition at the moment, with Mathys Tel unavailable after being left out of the squad for the league phase of this competition.

Dominic Solanke has now undergone surgery on his ankle and will not be back until at least after the international break, while Randal Kolo Muani’s recovery from a dead leg has been slow.

Frank must decide whether to shift Xavi Simons into the No10 role or keep him out on the left, which would mean Lucas Bergvall likely being the most advanced midfielder.

Thomas Frank needs to ensure Spurs go into the October international on the back of positive results against Bodo/Glimt and Leeds

It is a big week for Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank

Getty Images

Matt Verri

COMMENTS

Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Matt Verri

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Five months on from a successful visit to the Arctic Circle, Tottenham find themselves making a familiar journey.

They are back in Bodo for another European night, though this time it will be the Champions League anthem blaring out around the stadium ahead of kick-off.

In May the pressure was as intense as it could be. The season rested entirely on the Europa League and ahead of the semi-final tie, the talk was of Bodo/Glimt's superb home record, the plastic pitch and the cold temperatures.

There was little drama, though, with Spurs putting in a professional display to reach the final, where they would ultimately book a return to Europe's premier competition.

It is Thomas Frank who has got to enjoy that particular reward and while the stakes are certainly not as high tonight as they were for Ange Postecoglou back then, this does feel like a significant week for the Dane.

He has enjoyed a fine start to life in the Spurs dugout, with the sole defeat in any competition coming at home to Bournemouth.

Read More

Monaco vs Man City: Prediction, kick-off time, team news, odds

Liverpool blow as Arne Slot delivers Federico Chiesa injury update

Galatasaray issue Osimhen injury update ahead of huge Liverpool clash

Sponsored

Is staying put the key to a happier work life?

That was largely forgiven as a one-off poor performance on the day against very lively opposition, but two dropped points against Wolves on Saturday night was more of a concern.

Tottenham were frustrated against Wolves at the weekend

AFP via Getty Images

There were grumblings from the stands throughout the second half of that 1-1 draw, fans growing frustrated as the familiar sight of Spurs struggling to create from open play continued.

After the rollercoaster of the Postecoglou era, Frank has brought some much-needed calm and structure to the team. However, the style of play, at least for now, is not one that will get fans off their seats and there is added pressure on results as a consequence.

The opening Champions League win over Villarreal was not thrilling, but it was hard to complain about a fairly professional European display. Should results dip and the lack of creativity in attack remain, though, the pressure will build.

Having drawn at home to Wolves, Spurs need to pick the momentum back up heading into the international break. Frank has to get his side playing in a more effective manner in the final third, but he has little time on the training pitch to do so and has to keep picking up results in the meantime.

Away trips to Bodo/Glimt and Leeds are tricky ones and yet they might suit Frank, with less of an expectation that Spurs dominate the ball and take the game to their opponents.

Spurs went into the last international break off the back of that Bournemouth defeat and they cannot afford a repeat of that here with these two fixtures.

When they return to action in mid-October at home to Aston Villa, Spurs then have a brutal run of fixtures that includes Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and two trips to Newcastle all by the start of December.

If they can't have both, one feels essential. On current evidence the free-flowing football is not imminent, so it will have to be results.

MORE ABOUT