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Thomas Frank has admitted that Tottenham are still searching for the right balance on the left-hand side of the pitch, with the new manager hinting that he has not yet found his preferred combination in that area.

Tottenham Hotspur have seen a host of changes take place both on and off the pitch, with new players arriving in the summer transfer window, while several others departed.

As is usually the case when a squad undergoes that much change, there is always a period of adaptation, and it appears to be no different at Tottenham with new boss Frank still trying to get his side to perform at the level required.

Spurs are performing at a respectable level, but there is a clear sense that they can improve, and that in itself will only happen when players get used to one another and fully adapt to Frank’s system.

Thomas Frank on Tottenham’s creativity on the left side

While the right-hand side of Tottenham’s attack appears settled, with first-choice players, Mohammed Kudus and Pedro Porro seemingly locked in, there is still a battle for places on the left, both at full-back and in the wide attacking roles.

Speaking to the media, Frank has now explained that the contrast between both flanks is evident, with one offering consistency and the other still searching for fluency.

Thomas Frank’s recent comments suggest that he is still working out his best combination on that side of the pitch.

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He said via Tottenham’s official channel: “One side is creating chances, the other side is finishing them. That is not too bad when you look at the stats. Mo and Pedro’s relationship is really good and there is that consistency. On the other side there are different left-backs and wingers, so it is about finding that consistency and flow.”

Spurs left side remains a puzzle for Thomas Frank

Frank continues to search for the right balance on the left-hand side of the pitch, with the former Brentford manager trying out different players in that position.

Destiny Udogie and Djed Spence have been rotated in the full-back role, while Xavi Simons, Brennan Johnson, Wilson Odobert and Mathys Tel have all been handed opportunities further up the pitch.

However, none of them have yet made the position their own, leaving Frank with questions to answer as he continues to look for the best possible balance within his squad.

Mohammed Kudus has quickly established himself as a livewire presence in Tottenham’s attack this season, and his numbers now prove what the eye test has already been showing.

Tottenham Hotspur have long craved for a maverick in attack, one capable of producing something out of nothing, and that is precisely why Mohammed Kudus was brought into the side.

The Ghana international has always been recognised for his dribbling, his directness and the way he unsettles defenders with his trickery whenever he isolates them in wide areas.

This season at Tottenham, that flair has been on full display, and the statistics are beginning to match the performances, offering concrete proof of the impact that Kudus has had since joining

Tottenham’s Mohammed Kudus joins Jeremy Doku in standout Premier League stat

According to Squawka, only two players in the Premier League this season have managed to both create 10 or more chances and complete 10 or more take-ons.

Tottenham’s Mohammed Kudus and Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku are the two names that stand out, showcasing their ability to both beat players and carve out opportunities in the final third.

Kudus has already completed 24 take-ons and created 12 chances, while Doku has recorded 18 take-ons and also created 12 chances, putting them both in a league of their own amongst attacking players this campaign.

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Tottenham still lack creativity from central areas

It is an ideal situation for Thomas Frank to have a wide player like Kudus, someone who can alter the course of a game through skill, directness and individual creativity.

However, while Kudus’ influence gives Tottenham an edge on the flanks, the bigger issue for Spurs now lies in the central areas, where the lack of a natural playmaker is beginning to show.

Daniel Farke has revealed what his Leeds United side have to be wary of when they take to the field against Tottenham Hotspur.

There is a bit of a feeling that Frank’s honeymoon period at Spurs is now coming to an end, with fans and pundits starting to criticise some aspects of his side’s displays.

Some have questioned Tottenham’s inability to create chances under Frank, but the Dane remains confident that it is only a matter of time before the Lilywhites click into gear as an offensive unit.

Spurs are now back in Premier League action, with a trip to Elland Road up next, and his opposite number has been complimentary of what he has seen from Frank’s side this season.

Daniel Farke reveals what Thomas Frank has brought to Tottenham

Opta’s supercomputer has installed Tottenham as the favourites to get all three points against Leeds, which the Lilywhites desperately need to get back on track.

Farke has insisted that his side will face a tough test tomorrow, given the structure that the new Spurs head coach has imparted in his side.

When asked what stands out about Frank and his style, the Leeds boss said (via Leeds official channel): “His mentality, also the intensity the team plays with, is always well structured, strong, and also against the ball, they play and press with intensity.

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“They always threaten the depth with many, many runners in behind. Also, of course, the detail set pieces, attention to throw-ins. All these topics are, of course, important for Thomas.”

Farke reveals why Spurs are a dangerous side

Tottenham go into the game at Elland Road having won just one of their last four matches across all competitions: their 3-0 win over Doncaster Rovers in the Carabao Cup.

However, Farke insists that despite Spurs’ downturn in form, they have showcased the mentality to consistently recover from setbacks, which his side has to be wary of.

The German coach added about his opponents: “For me, also the mentality to grind out results, because if you play three days every week, of course, you have to rotate a bit more than you would do if you just have one game per week,” said the Leeds manager.

“But they’re playing in Europe, and they have, of course, to rotate a bit more. Of course, they also have the squad and the quality players to do this.

“So sometimes it’s also a bit difficult to produce a perfect performance. But even when it’s a bit more difficult and they rotate, they will still find a way in the last games to dig in and to grind out a result. Also, the mentality that Thomas brings to his team is pretty effective, and he also finds pragmatic solutions to grind out results.

“For that, we always have to be aware, even if you’re on top of the game, they can always come back and deliver a late goal. He has a good mentality, it shows the good spirit, and this is why it’s always so difficult to get a result against his side.”

After a midweek trip to the Arctic Circle, Tottenham Hotspur return to Premier League action with a visit to Elland Road on Saturday. Thomas Frank’s side are looking to shake off a run of poor performances, while newly promoted Leeds United have quietly put together a strong start.

The trip to Norway to face Bodo Glimt in Tottenham’s second Champions League game did not go according to plan. Spurs were two goals down before a late fightback saw them snatch a 2-2 draw.

It was another frustrating display from Thomas Frank’s men, and not the first of its kind. Against Wolves and Brighton in the Premier League, Spurs also found themselves chasing the game and relying on late goals to salvage a point. Despite their slump in form, Tottenham still sit fourth in the table with 11 points from six matches.

For a newly promoted side, Leeds United have adapted well in their first Premier League season since 2022-23. Instead of hovering around the relegation zone, they are comfortably placed in mid-table with two wins, two draws and two defeats.

Daniel Farke’s team showed how good they can be, against Bournemouth last weekend, only denied all three points by a stoppage-time equaliser in a 2-2 draw.

What time does Leeds United vs Tottenham Hotspur kick off?

Leeds United vs Tottenham Hotspur: Head-to-head record

Leeds have struggled against Tottenham in recent years, losing nine of the last 11 league meetings and winning just once in that time. Spurs have won the last four games in a row.

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It feels like a long time since these two met. In fact, one Spurs managerial era began and ended without facing Leeds at all. The last meetings came in the 2022-23 season when Tottenham won 4-3 at home and followed up with a 4-1 victory at Elland Road on the final day in what was also the last ever Spurs appearance for Harry Kane.

Tottenham team news

Spurs’ latest signing, Randal Kolo Muani, was absent from training before the Bodo trip and did not travel due to a dead leg. Frank revealed that the staff are on top of the issue, which suggests he is close to a return.

Cristian Romero was left at home in midweek as a precaution but is expected to captain the side on Saturday. Dominic Solanke is out after undergoing a minor surgery and joins the longer-term absentees James Maddison, Radu Dragusin and Dejan Kulusevski.

There will also be updates on Kota Takai and Kolo Muani in Frank’s press conference on Friday.

Leeds United team news

Daniel Farke’s side have very few problems to deal with. Only Lucas Peri and Wilfried Gnonto are set to miss this game.

Predicted Tottenham line-up

Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bergvall, Palhinha, Simons; Kudus, Tel, Odobert.

Antonin Kinsky could come in for Vicario after criticism of the Italian’s distribution in recent weeks. Pape Sarr had a nightmare in Norway and is likely to be rested. Rodrigo Bentancur was not much better, but it is unlikely Frank will pair him with Joao Palhinha.

If Kolo Muani is not fit enough, Mathys Tel looks more likely than Richarlison to start.

Our prediction

Tottenham have struggled for rhythm in the league, often playing their best football when chasing the game. This fixture offers a good chance to set the tone early and rebuild confidence.

It is worth noting Spurs’ poor record going into international breaks, with no wins before one since October 2023. Mohammed Kudus will be the one to watch. His duel with former Spurs defender Joe Rodon, now a key part of Leeds’ back line and fresh off scoring in their last game, will be interesting to watch.

Frank knows that the fans are disappointed with what they’re having to watch lately. However, his strong away record this season will make the supporters a bit more hopeful.

Spurs have collected seven points from their three league trips in 2025-26, as many as in their previous 11 on the road combined.

Paul Merson has made his prediction as Tottenham Hotspur venture up to Leeds United at Elland Road, and he has made a bold claim about Thomas Frank’s team.

Tottenham Hotspur have had a strange season up to this point. One or two outstanding performances have since been overshadowed by dropped points against teams that, on paper, they should be defeating.

Spurs were starting matches well at the beginning of the season, which included taking 2-0 leads against PSG and Manchester City.

However, the late stages of the second half have been their saving grace in recent fixtures. Tottenham scored all three goals against West Ham in the latter 45 minutes and required late goals to secure draws against Brighton, Wolves and Bodo/Glimt.

Paul Merson predicts another Tottenham draw

Tottenham’s slow starts are proving costly and Paul Merson has raised concerns about their failure to perform across the whole 90 minutes. He has predicted Spurs to go another game without a win and has even claimed Thomas Frank’s team are not as good as some would think.

He told Sportskeeda: “Tottenham are a bit strange, they aren’t a 90-minute team! I’ve noticed that Spurs start playing their best football only after they go behind in games. It’s easy to play when you’re losing, that takes the pressure off your back. But they can’t keep doing it if they want to be ambitious under Thomas Frank this season.

“Spurs showed good character to come from 2-0 down to draw against Brighton. But since then, they have struggled against both Wolves and Bodo/Glimt, failing to win them games. So I don’t think they’re as great as some people say!

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“This is a tough game for Tottenham because Leeds have been quite good at home. If at the start of the season, you told Leeds that they can get a point from this fixture, they would have happily accepted it.

“And that’s exactly what I think will happen here. Leeds’ form at home will be crucial to their chances of avoiding relegation and they have shown enough to suggest they can hold Spurs to a draw at Elland Road. I expect goals in this one.”

Merson’s Prediction: Leeds United 2-2 Tottenham Hotspur

Cristian Romero will return for Tottenham against Leeds

Spurs fans might lack some confidence considering recent matches, but there is some good news. Cristian Romero is fit to start for Spurs tomorrow, after missing the midweek fixture against Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League.

However, the club are still without Randal Kolo Muani, despite the fact he has been training with the Tottenham first-team squad.

Tottenham loanee Yang Min-Hyeok finally opened his account for Portsmouth this week, and it has left Spurs fans buzzing with excitement as they make bold claims about his talent after witnessing his first goal for the club.

Yang Min-Hyeok only just got off the mark for Portsmouth in their recent league fixture against Watford, and it was the kind of strike that immediately caught the eye of supporters.

The teenager connected brilliantly with a volley from the edge of the box, firing low into the bottom corner after a long throw had dropped perfectly into his path.

It was just his third career goal in English football, having featured in 18 matches across two different loan spells, one with QPR last season in the Championship and now with Portsmouth, where he is beginning to settle.

Tottenham fans react to Yang Min-hyeok’s first Portsmouth goal

Min-Hyeok has yet to feature in a competitive fixture for Tottenham Hotspur, with the club believing regular game time away from North London is the best way to accelerate his development.

The South Korean youngster is seen as a player with huge potential, and Tottenham fans will be hopeful he can fulfil it. His opening strike for Portsmouth has already led to praise from sections of the Lilywhite fanbase who watched it unfold.

After seeing him score his first goal of the campaign, supporters took to X to share their thoughts.

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One Spurs fan wrote: “Yang Min-Hyeok’s one of those players you just look at and think, yeah, he has got it. You can see the talent every time he gets on the ball. He is finally getting proper minutes at Portsmouth now, and it is starting to show.”

Another added: “Brilliant strike as well. Some of our fans were writing this kid off after just five games.”

There were further messages of support, with one Tottenham fan even suggesting: “Just recall him back. Can’t be worse than Odobert… surely?” Meanwhile, a Portsmouth fan also joined in, saying: “Best player so far on the pitch, great link-up play.”

Spurs still searching for a solution on the left wing

Tottenham strengthened their wide options in the summer with the arrivals of Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons, with the latter often deployed on the left flank.

While Kudus has nailed down the right wing role, there remains an opportunity for one of Spurs’ other wide men to claim the left side as their own.

Brennan Johnson, Xavi Simons, Mathys Tel and Wilson Odobert have all been tried there, but none has yet convinced consistently enough to make the position theirs.

Tottenham fans will not like Chris Sutton’s prediction ahead of their clash with Leeds United, as the pundit has cast doubt on their chances of taking all three points at Elland Road.

Tottenham Hotspur are preparing for a lunchtime kick-off against Leeds United this Saturday, looking to put an end to a run of two consecutive Premier League draws.

Thomas Frank’s side head into the fixture off the back of a disappointing Champions League performance against Bodo/Glimt, where they started slowly and were punished, so there is added pressure to show a stronger response this time out.

As anticipation builds, former Premier League striker Chris Sutton has delivered his verdict on how he expects the contest to unfold, and his prediction is unlikely to sit well with Spurs supporters who were hoping for a more positive outlook.

Chris Sutton backs Leeds United to hold Tottenham

Speaking on BBC Sport, Sutton praised Leeds United for their impressive start to the season and pointed out the qualities that have made them a difficult side to play against.

He explained that despite suffering a heavy defeat at Arsenal, they have been competitive in every other game and could have picked up even more points had it not been for late goals conceded against Fulham and Bournemouth.

He also predicted the scoreline for their clash with Spurs, writing: “Fair play to Leeds, they have really surprised and impressed me so far. There is a good balance to their team because they carry a threat and can dig in too.

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“Apart from a heavy defeat at Arsenal, they have been competitive in every game so far and their good start would have been even better but for late goals against Fulham and Bournemouth.

“Even so, they have got more points than I expected at this stage and Daniel Farke deserves a lot of credit.

“I think there were question marks over whether he could manage at this level because of his Premier League record with Norwich but, as I’ve said before, he never really had the squad there to be able to compete.

“Tottenham have had a difficult week, having to fight back to rescue draws against Wolves and Bodo/Glimt, and this is going to be another tricky game for them.

“I can actually see it ending in another draw for Spurs. At least they played in the Arctic Circle on Tuesday night rather than Wednesday but a lunchtime kick-off on Saturday is still far from ideal, and this Champions League campaign is going to stretch their squad.”

Chris Sutton’s prediction: 1-1

Tottenham away form offers encouragement

The trip to Elland Road will be far from straightforward for Tottenham, yet their away record does offer some encouragement.

No Premier League side has picked up more points on the road this season, with Spurs collecting two wins and a draw away from home.

That record is in stark contrast to their struggles at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where results have been far less convincing.

However, one concerning trend is Tottenham’s struggles before international breaks. Spurs have failed to win their final fixture before a pause in the calendar since October 2023, and that statistic will be in the back of supporters’ minds heading into the weekend.

Radu Dragusin’s agent has given an exact timeframe for the Tottenham defender’s return to action, and Spurs fans will be thrilled with the update.

We have heard over recent weeks that Tottenham are exploring signing a centre-back in the January window, and one can understand why.

Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero boast of poor injury records over the last two seasons, and Kevin Danso is currently the only other experienced full-time centre-back available at Thomas Frank’s disposal.

However, Radu Dragusin has now returned to training after recovering from his ACL injury, and it has now been revealed that it will not be long before the Romanian is ready to feature for the Lilywhites.

Radu Dragusin’s agent reveals when defender will return to Tottenham squad

Over recent days, it has emerged that Tottenham convinced Romania not to call up Dragusin for the upcoming international break, even though they wanted to have the 23-year-old in the squad.

The former Genoa man’s agent, Florin Manea, has now shed light on his client’s progress and has revealed that he would be ready to play in another month at most.

Manea told Digisport: “Radu is fine. I don’t know if he will be approved to play, especially since he hasn’t started full training at Tottenham.

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“I’m glad he’s on the list. The moment of his return is approaching. That it will be now or in a month at most, I think Radu will be 100% ready. There is no delay in recovery; the doctor told us that it is best to return from 8 months onwards.

“Radu will be 8 months from the operation in mid-October. On the contrary, he is ahead with his preparation. There have been players who have stayed for 12-13 months. The idea is not to rush.

“It is normal to feel Radu’s absence from the team. There is no replacement for him. He plays at the level he plays at, and there is a big difference between what is played in England compared to other sides. It is impossible to replace Radu Dragușin at the moment.”

Why Dragusin could surprise Spurs fans this season

Many Tottenham fans were not particularly convinced by Dragusin under Ange Postecoglou, and the Australian’s high-line did not really suit the 23-year-old’s attributes.

However, the lanky centre-back is excellent at defending just outside his box and is extremely dominant in duals. He could thrive in Frank’s system, and the Dane may be able to get the best out of him.

Having said that, it takes time for players to return to 100 per cent match sharpness while returning from an ACL injury, and we may not be able to see the best of Dragusin for a few more months.

Tottenham Hotspur fans have weighed in on who they believe deserves the number nine role when Thomas Frank has a fully fit squad.

Tottenham Hotspur started the season brightly under their new boss Thomas Frank, securing three wins from their opening four league matches and looking like a side that had quickly adapted to the Dane’s system.

However, the momentum has dipped in recent weeks, with the Lilywhites taking only two points from their last two league fixtures and just five from their last four overall.

While Spurs have remained defensively resilient, conceding only four goals all season, the problem lies at the other end of the pitch, where they have struggled to consistently find the net and create the kind of threat needed to win games at the top level.

Tottenham fans name Dominic Solanke as preferred striker option

With Dominic Solanke and Randal Kolo Muani sidelined, it has been Richarlison and Mathys Tel who have taken up the responsibility of leading the line for Tottenham in recent weeks.

Richarlison has notched three league goals, but doubts remain among supporters regarding his suitability as the main striker in Frank’s system.

Tottenham fans have not held back in expressing their opinions, with many naming their ideal number nine when all options are available.

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One fan, speaking on social media, wrote: “Dominic Solanke edges it as the starting No. 9 when all are fit. Why? He is the most proven goal threat in a Spurs shirt, with elite movement that exploits Frank’s quick transitions, think linking with Simons or Kudus without dropping deep like Richarlison often does.”

Others were just as direct in their assessments. “Not Richie, he does not work as a lone striker, works as part of a front two though. Not Tel, although I think he has looked better when playing on the left. I do not know enough about Kolo yet. Currently it has got to be big Dom,”

Another Tottenham fan commented. A third supporter added: “Solanke for me. He is the best out of the bunch and his pressing is better than the others. He needs service though. He did not receive any last season and so far this season it has been a problem. Excited to see more of Kolo Muani though.”

The debate did not stop there, with further suggestions from fans for Kolo Muani if he is fully fit, while another simply stated: “Solanke is the front runner but if we can get, and keep Muani fit, then it could potentially be him. For me though Tel needs to be third choice with Richarlison the fourth choice.”

A final Tottenham supporter was even more blunt: “Muani. For me, I have seen enough of the other three to be willing to give Muani a run in the side, even if he does not score right away. Solanke is the next best option but I feel Muani has played at a higher level. I do not want to see Richy or Tel in a Spurs shirt ever again.”

Spurs attacking stats raise further concerns

Despite scoring goals this season, the underlying numbers suggest Tottenham’s attack is not functioning as it should.

Spurs currently sit 13th in the Premier League for big chances created and 11th for expected goals, with a total of seven so far, yet they rank third overall for most goals scored.

That statistic is both impressive and concerning in equal measure, as it highlights that Tottenham are currently overperforming in front of goal, and without a significant improvement in creating clearer opportunities, it is only a matter of time before the conversion rate begins to drop and the goals dry up.

A new report has revealed what kind of fee it would take to prise Richarlison away from Tottenham Hotspur in January.

The Brazilian striker started the season impressively, with three goals in his first two Premier League outings, but has gone off the boil since then.

In fact, many will feel that Richarlison is only continuing to start regularly for Tottenham due to the injuries to Dominic Solanke and Randal Kolo Muani.

Over recent days, there have been suggestions that Flamengo are ready to battle Crystal Palace for Richarlison in January, and a new update has now shed light on what Tottenham’s stance on the 28-year-old is.

How much do Tottenham want for Richarlison in January?

A report by journalist Fabrício Lopes has now confirmed that Flamengo are indeed looking to take the Tottenham striker back to Brazil in January.

The reporter claims that the Brazilian giants are looking to bolster their squad with some big-name signings and are looking towards the European market, with Richarlison being one of the names at the top of their wishlist.

Lopes asserts that an offer of around €20m (£17m) would be enough to convince Tottenham to cash in on the former Everton man in January.

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That fee is no small matter for Flamengo as it would make Richarlison one of the most expensive signings in the history of Brazilian football if Spurs’ asking price is met.

Why Richarlison may not want to leave Spurs in January

Some sources have suggested that Richarlison may not be keen on leaving the Premier League during the upcoming transfer window.

This is because the striker does not want to jeopardise his chances of making the Selecao squad for next summer’s World Cup.

Besides, it would be difficult for Spurs to find a replacement for the 28-year-old mid-season, which is why a departure next summer seems more likely for Richarlison.