Sports Mole

Fresh from snatching a Champions League point in Norway, Tottenham Hotspur travel to Elland Road to face Leeds United in the Premier League on Saturday lunchtime.

The two teams lock horns for the first time since May 2023 when Spurs secured a 4-1 top-flight victory away against the Whites.

Match preview

Leeds have won two, drawn two, and lost two of their opening six Premier League fixtures since securing promotion as Championship title winners last season, most recently playing out a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth on home soil last weekend.

After beating Wolves 3-1 at Molineux in their previous match, Leeds were on the cusp of collecting maximum points against the Cherries until the visitors netted a 93rd-minute equaliser. Nevertheless, the Whites have now gone a full year without suffering a home league defeat, extending their impressive unbeaten run at Elland Road to 23 games.

Head coach Daniel Farke rued the missed opportunities from his Leeds side after conceding a “heartbreaking” equaliser, but the German should be satisfied that his team have accumulated a respectable eight points in total and sit 12th in the Premier League table, four points above the relegation zone.

So far this season, only three teams have netted more set-piece goals in the Premier League than Leeds (four), but the Whites have shipped six set-piece goals themselves, with only West Ham United (eight) having conceded more.

Leeds head into Saturday’s contest having lost nine of their last 11 Premier League meetings Tottenham Hotspur (W1 D1), including each of their last four in a row which is their longest ever losing league run to Spurs. They have also failed to win any of their last 11 PL games that have kicked off before 3pm (D2 L9) since beating Chelsea 3-0 in August 2022.

Tottenham concluded the month of September without losing any of their six matches across all competitions, but they have struggled to grind out victories in recent weeks, drawing three of their last four games and conceding five goals in the process.

Spurs made light work of Bodo/Glimt over two legs in last season’s Europa League semi-finals, winning 5-1 on aggregate, but they had to come from behind twice to rescue a 2-2 draw on matchday two in the Champions League on Tuesday night, with an 89th-minute own goal enough to seal a point in Norway.

Although Tottenham were second best for much of the contest, head coach Thomas Frank was upbeat after claiming a “very good point” on the road. His team will now shift their focus back to the Premier League as they endeavour to increase their 11-point total and climb into the top three of the table.

Spurs have drawn their last two Premier League games against Brighton (2-2) and Wolves (1-1), as many as they had drawn in their previous 23 matches (W7 D2 L14), while the North Londoners last drew three consecutive league fixtures back in October/November 2016 (a run of four).

Tottenham will relish Saturday’s trip to Elland Road where they have won both of their last two Premier League visits by an aggregate score of 8-1, and they will attempt to win three times in a row at Leeds for the very first time this weekend.

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Team News

Leeds winger Daniel James will be out for a few weeks after rolling his ankle in training, and Willy Gnonto (calf) is also sidelined, while Harry Gray - the brother of Spurs’ Archie Gray - is a doubt with a hip problem and will be assessed ahead of kickoff.

Goalkeeper Lucas Perri (muscle) has returned to training after missing the last three matches with a muscle injury, but Saturday’s game will come too soon for the Frenchman, so Karl Darlow will continue between the sticks.

Only three PL players have created more chances than Sean Longstaff (eight) so far this season, with the midfielder also registering the joint-most tackles along with Spurs’ Joao Palhinha (19). Longstaff is expected to continue in a three-man midfield alongside Ethan Ampadu and Anton Stach.

As for Tottenham, Dominic Solanke recently underwent ankle surgery and remains out along with James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Radu Dragusin (all knee), Kota Takai (foot) and Yves Bissouma (unspecified), while Randal Kolo Muani (dead leg) will be assessed before kickoff.

Richarlison will hope to make his 250th Premier League appearance this weekend, but considering the Brazilian played the full 90 minutes in midweek, Frank may decide to begin with a refreshed Mathys Tel up front after he was ineligible against Bodo/Glimt.

Cristian Romero was left out of the draw with Bodo/Glimt as a “precaution”, but he should be given the all-clear to start in the heart of the defence alongside Micky van de Ven, while Mohammed Kudus, Xavi Simons, Joao Palhinha and Destiny Udogie are all pushing to earn a recall.

Leeds United possible starting lineup:

Darlow; Bogle, Rodon, Struijk, Gudmundsson; Stach, Ampadu, Longstaff; Aaronson, Calvert-Lewin, Okafor

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

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

We say: Leeds United 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur

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Leeds have every right to feel optimistic of success having won 18 of their last 23 league games on home soil, but they have struggled to get the better of a Tottenham outfit who have enjoyed their recent visits to Elland Road and will be regarded as favourites to pick up all three points this weekend.

Spurs will be aware that Leeds suffered a heavy 5-0 loss to their North London rivals Arsenal earlier in the campaign, and while we do not expect Frank’s men to win as emphatically, they should ultimately find a way to outscore their opponents in West Yorkshire.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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Thomas Frank will be hoping his Tottenham Hotspur side can return to winning ways when they take on newly-promoted Leeds United in the Premier League on Saturday.Â

Spurs have had to come from behind to draw each of their last two Premier League outings, recording a 2-2 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion before registering a 1-1 stalemate with Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend.Â

Tottenham have now also drawn each of their last two games across all competitions, with late equalisers against Wolves and Bodo/Glimt - when an 89th-minute Jostein Gundersen own-goal secured a 2-2 draw - leaving Spurs searching for just a second win in their last five.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up all of Tottenham's latest injury and suspension news ahead of their Premier League meeting with Leeds United.Â

Randal Kolo Muani

Status:Â Doubt

Type of injury:Â Dead leg

Possible return date:Â October 4 (vs. Leeds United)

Paris Saint-Germain loanee Randal Kolo Muani has been missing from Tottenham's last four matchday squads due to a dead leg, but the Frenchman should be eyeing a return on Saturday.

Yves Bissouma

Status:Â Out

Type of injury:Â Unspecified

Possible return date:Â Unknown

Yves Bissouma's unspecified injury from the start of the season has proven to be more serious than initially thought, and there is no word on when the Malian midfielder might be back in contention.

Kota Takai

Status:Â Out

Type of injury:Â Foot

Possible return date:Â October 19 (vs. Aston Villa)

Kota Takai is finally in team training following a troublesome foot injury, but there is little chance of the midfielder making the matchday squad for this weekend.

Radu Dragusin

Status: Out

Type of injury:Â ACL

Possible return date:Â October 19 (vs. Aston Villa)

Radu Dragusin should soon be entering the final stages of his recovery from the ACL injury he picked up in January, and a return in the autumn is not beyond the realm of possibility.

Dejan Kulusevski

Status: Out

Type of injury:Â Knee

Possible return date:Â November 29 (vs. Fulham)

The luckless Dejan Kulusevski has been out since the end of last season with a knee problem, one that will not heal fully for another couple of months.

James Maddison

Status: Out

Type of injury:Â ACL

Possible return date:Â Unknown

James Maddison is on the extremely long road to recovery from the ACL injury he suffered in pre-season, and it is still not known whether he might be able to feature before the campaign ends.

Dominic Solanke

Status:Â Out

Type of injury:Â Ankle

Possible return date:Â November 1 (vs. Chelsea)

Dominic Solanke looked to be nearing a return from an ankle issue, but the decision to undergo a minor surgery has since been made, meaning the striker is unlikely to return until at least November.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR SUSPENSION LIST

Tottenham have no players suspended for this match.

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Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Joao Palhinha has been enjoying a terrific 2025-26 season after moving to the north London club in the summer on loan from Bayern Munich.Â

The 30-year-old joined Bayern from Fulham in 2024 for £43.1m, but he failed to establish himself as a first-team regular under Vincent Kompany and gradually dropped down the pecking order at the club.Â

Palhinha grabbed the opportunity with both hands when Spurs took him on loan, and he has rediscovered his mojo after putting in some scintillating midfield displays under Thomas Frank.Â

The Portuguese international has scored two goals in his five starts in the Premier League, and the defensive midfielder has proved to be a perfect fit in Frank's system, where defensive structure is prioritised.Â

Palhinha's stats reflect his terrific revivalÂ

According to Squawka, Palhinha has made the most tackles (17) in Europe's top five leagues in September, ahead of Sevilla's Gabriel Suazo and Getafe's Abdel Abqar, both on 16.Â

In the Premier League, the former Sporting CP midfielder has made 3.8 tackles per game, and his total of 23 tackles is the highest in the Premier League ahead of Leeds United's Sean Longstaff (19).Â

At Bayern, multiple factors worked against Palhinha, with injuries being one of them, and he was like a round peg in a square hole within Kompany's system.Â

Had Palhinha moved under Ange Postecoglou, the transfer may not have worked, as he would have struggled to find his feet in his cavalier and chaotic approach. Luckily for him, Frank's system was tailor-made for him, and as a result, we are getting the best version of Palhinha once again.Â

Tottenham must sign Palhinha permanentlyÂ

Spurs have the option to sign the midfielder permanently for £27m, and they must opt for that route, especially if Palhinha continues to maintain his impressive form.

The midfielder reportedly wants to stay at the north London club, and he would be thrilled if Tottenham decide to take up the option of signing him permanently.Â

Palhinha produced arguably one of his best performances against Manchester City this season, but he also dazzled in midfield against Brighton, Doncaster and Wolverhampton Wanderers last month.Â

The Bayern-owned midfielder will definitely be required in games where Spurs need to control possession and build attacks with patience, and therefore, it is a no-brainer to pay £27m to retain his services next summer.Â

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly leading the race to sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi in the January transfer window.Â

The 25-year-old centre-back has less than 12 months remaining on his contract at Selhurst Park, and there is no indication that he will extend his deal at the London club.Â

The England international was close to securing a move to Liverpool on the summer transfer deadline day, but the deal collapsed in the final hours.Â

With his contract expiring, Guehi is expected to be in demand in the January window, and while Liverpool retain interest in him, the Reds could face strong competition from a host of clubs, including Tottenham.Â

Spurs leading race to sign Guehi?Â

According to a report from Caught Offside, Spurs are among the 'leading contenders' to secure his signature in the January window.Â

Palace could be open to letting the defender leave on a cut-price deal, provided they find a replacement, and Guehi has emerged as an attractive and cost-effective target for Thomas Frank's side.Â

Frank has Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Radu Dragusin, Kevin Danso, and Ben Davies as centre-back options, but Guehi would still be a massive upgrade over the current crop of players.Â

The report claims that the Eagles are prepared to negotiate offers in the region of €20-30m (£17.4-£26m), but the price could drop due to the length of the former Chelsea player's contract.Â

Liverpool, Bayern, and Madrid are in the race for Guehi?Â

There are suggestions that Guehi might look to stay for the rest of the season and move elsewhere on free next summer, when he will have plenty of options to choose from.Â

Palace are expecting the Reds to make a move for the defender in January, but the defender reportedly has set his heart on joining Real Madrid next summer.Â

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich are also showing keen interest in signing Guehi, and they have done their homework on him, even watched him in action during Palace's 2-1 win over Liverpool last week.Â

Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White has suggested that he found it difficult to focus on football during a period where he nearly joined Tottenham Hotspur.

After playing an influential role in Forest earning European football for 2024-25, Gibbs-White was naturally linked with some of the Premier League's biggest clubs.

However, it was Spurs who made the boldest move for the England international, believing that they could activate the release clause of the playmaker and quickly wrap up a deal.

Instead, Forest threatened legal action over the method in which Spurs went about establishing terms over a potential transfer before Gibbs-White eventually signed a new long-term contract.

Gibbs-White is now attempting to star under, coincidentally, former Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou, who recently replaced Nuno Espirito Santo as Forest head coach.

Gibbs-White acknowledge "stressful" Spurs saga

Speaking at a press conference ahead of Forest's Europa League fixture against FC Midtjylland, Gibbs-White was quizzed on the matter.

In response to a reporter, the 25-year-old revealed that the period had coincided with the birth of his newborn son, adding to the complexity of the situation.

He said, as quoted by BBC Sport: "A really stressful time, for me personally and my family. There was a lot of things that happened behind the scenes in my personal life that was difficult to really focus on.

"I found it difficult to focus on football at that moment when that was going on.

"Your family is everything and you have to put them first. That's a decision I made, I had to put them first and that was being with my wife and my newborn son.

"That was what happened in the summer and I made sure my full focus and full concentration was with them."

How has Gibbs-White performed this season?

Gibbs-White is currently part of a Forest team that have failed to win a single game since overcoming Brentford on the opening weekend of the season.

He has provided two assists during that time, including during the 2-2 draw at Real Betis in the Europa League last week.

His Forest record now reads 18 goals and 30 assists from 126 appearances in all competitions, Gibbs-White also now on a contract until 2028.

Leeds United will aim to extend their unbeaten home record at the start of the 2025-26 Premier League season when they host Tottenham Hotspur at Elland Road on Saturday afternoon.Â

The Whites have won one and drawn two of their three home fixtures, while they are also unbeaten in their last two Premier League matches - though a 93rd-minute equaliser against Bournemouth cruelly denied them the chance to record back-to-back wins, having defeated Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-1 a week earlier.Â

Meanwhile, Spurs have lost just once across all competitions at the beginning of this season, and they come into this encounter having scored late equalisers in each of their last two outings, with a 94th-minute strike against Wolves and an 89th-minute goal against Bodo/Glimt.

Here, Sports Mole provides everything you need to know about how to tune into the match.

What time does Leeds United vs. Tottenham Hotspur kick off?

Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur's meeting is this weekend's early Premier League kickoff, commencing at 12:30pm UK time.

Where is Leeds United vs. Tottenham Hotspur being played?

Daniel Farke's side will play host to Spurs on Saturday afternoon, welcoming their opponents to their formidable Elland Road home ground.

How to watch Leeds United vs. Tottenham Hotspur in the UK

TV channels

Leeds United vs. Tottenham Hotspur will be available to watch on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate, as is the case with every 12.30pm Premier League kickoff.

TNT Sports 1 can be found on Channel 410 for Sky customers, Channel 430 for BT and EE customers and 521 for Virgin Media subscribers.

Online streaming

The game can also be streamed via the Discovery+ streaming platform; a sports subscription costs £30.99 per month.

Discovery+ can be accessed on mobile phones, computers and games consoles.

Highlights

The official Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur YouTube accounts should post match highlights shortly after the game, as will the TNT Sports and Sky Sports channels.

Fans can also watch the best of the action on Match of the Day, which starts at 10.50pm on BBC One on Saturday night and will be repeated at 7.30am on Sunday morning.

What is at stake for Leeds United vs. Tottenham Hotspur?

Leeds United are hoping to overcome the disappointment of conceding a last-gasp equaliser against Bournemouth last weekend, while the Whites are also aiming to extend their unbeaten start to the Premier League campaign at Elland Road.Â

As for Tottenham Hotspur, Thomas Frank will be hoping for a considerably improved performance after scraping draws against both Wolves and Bodo/Glimt in their latest two outings.

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Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly pursuing a Real Madrid star amid criticism of the player’s recent performances.

Thomas Frank’s team are said to be interested in the Los Blancos star, offering him an escape route from the Spanish capital.

The player in question is Federico Valverde, whose future at the Santiago Bernabeu is uncertain, according to recent reports emerging from Spain.

According to Fichajes, Real Madrid are conflicted about the Uruguay international, who has made over 300 career appearances for the 36-time La Liga champions.Â

Is Valverde a victim of Alonso’s Real Madrid system change?

The report indicates that the midfielder is in a 'delicate' situation, considering the recent changes in game style under Xabi Alonso.

The former Bayer Leverkusen manager aims for a more controlled style of play, involving skilled technicians who favour ball circulation.

This is not Valverde's strength, as the 27-year-old prefers a box-to-box approach, and he was exposed in last week's 5-2 defeat by Atletico in the Madrid derby, highlighting his limitations in this style.

The report also notes that Spurs are looking to reinforce their midfield and have identified Valverde as a potential target, which would be an ambitious move for the North London club.

Real are reportedly split on the possibility of letting the Uruguayan star leave, with some executives wanting to use the funds to strengthen the squad, while others are hesitant to allow their versatile star to depart from the Spanish capital.

What could Valverde add to Spurs?

Valverde's key strength is his ball-carrying ability, placing him in the 76th percentile among midfielders across Europe.

The 27-year-old's progressive carrying distance is in the 84th percentile, while his total carrying distance is in the 82nd percentile.

Valverde’s talent for involvement in attacking moves sees him in the 87th percentile for goal-creating actions and the 91st percentile for open-play passes that lead to goals.

Without the ball, his average interceptions also stand out, as he ranks in the 86th percentile among midfielders in Europe.

Brentford are reportedly determined to keep Nathan Collins amid interest from fellow London side Tottenham Hotspur.

Collins has made 85 competitive appearances for the Bees since he joined the club from Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer of 2023.

The defender has established himself as a key figure in the Brentford squad, demonstrated by the fact that he was handed the captain's armband following Christian Norgaard's summer move to Arsenal.Â

Having been entrusted with the captaincy, it is unsurprising that Collins has played every minute of Brentford's first six Premier League games this season, including Saturday's 3-1 home win over Manchester United.Â

Tottenham learn Brentford's Collins transfer stance

Tottenham have seemingly been impressed with Collins's performances, with TEAMtalk reporting that Spurs have placed the centre-back towards the top of their transfer shortlist.

However, the report suggests that a reunion with former Brentford boss Thomas Frank is unlikely to take place in the January transfer window.Â

Brentford have issued a 'hands-off' warning to Tottenham and any other potential suitors, insisting that they will not listen to any transfer proposals in the winter market.Â

The West London club view the Republic of Ireland international as a 'vital' player in their bid to remain in the Premier League.Â

Collins is under contract until June 2029, with an option to extend by a further two years, ensuring that there is no pressure on the Bees to part ways.

Brentford reluctant to lose more key players

The Bees are seemingly determined to avoid any more upheaval after experiencing a tumultuous summer transfer window.Â

Keith Andrews saw Norgaard, Bryan Mbeumo, Yoane Wissa and Mark Flekken all depart ahead of his first season in charge.Â

The Brentford boss will surely be focusing on adding greater quality to his ranks in January, rather than losing more important members of his squad.Â

As a result, it is difficult to see a scenario in which Collins leaves in the January market, unless Spurs or another interested club can change Brentford's stance with a significant offer.Â

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur is reportedly close to agreeing a new contract at the north London club.Â

The Uruguayan midfielder has featured regularly under Thomas Frank, making four starts in the Premier League as well as one substitute cameo.

The 28-year-old has also started in the EFL Cup, contributing to the 3-0 victory over Doncaster Rovers, and he played the entire 90 minutes in the 1-0 win over Villarreal in the Champions League.Â

The experienced midfielder arrived from Juventus in January 2021 and has racked up 121 appearances for the club, scoring nine times and laying on eight assists.

New contract for Bentancur? Smart decision from TottenhamÂ

The midfielder also suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury that kept him out for nine months in 2023, but his recent performances have made him a massively important player under Frank.Â

The three-time Serie A winner was a key player under Antonio Conte and an integral part of Spurs' Europa League-winning run last season, where he featured in 13 of the 15 matches, including the final against Manchester United.Â

His contract is due to expire next summer, and according to football.london, the north London club are looking to extend his deal.Â

Spurs have done well to hand out a long-term contract extension to Cristian Romero, and securing an agreement for Bentancur has become a priority for the club.

The report claims that both parties are close to agreeing a new deal which will keep him at the club for the foreseeable future.Â

Yves Bissouma set for Tottenham exit?Â

Like Bentancur, fellow midfielder Bissouma will also become a free agent next summer, but Tottenham reportedly have no plans to keep him.Â

During the summer, Bissouma was linked with a move away from the club, but a potential transfer to Turkish club Galatasaray fell through.Â

Sunderland are reportedly prepared to offload Tottenham Hotspur transfer target Dennis Cirkin during the January window.

The 23-year-old was arguably the best left-side defender in the Championship last term as the Black Cats secured promotion via the playoffs.

Cirkin featured in 36 second-tier matches for Regis Le Bris's troops, scoring three goals and providing two assists across the course of the campaign.

However, a total spend of £163m over the summer from Sunderland has seen a number of last season's star pushed to the fringes of the squad.

Boasting experience at Atletico Madrid, Brazilian Reinildo Mandava has taken the first-choice spot at left-back for the newly-promoted side so far.

Sunderland considering sale of Tottenham-linked Cirkin?

According to TBR Football, Sunderland are beginning to devise their strategy regarding the future of Cirkin ahead of the New Year trading point.

The report claims that the Black Cats are considering the possibility of offloading the highly-rated 23-year-old during the winter transfer window.

It is understood that Europa League holders Tottenham are interested in securing the services of Cirkin, who spent time in the club's academy as a teenager.

As well as being admirers of the defender's on-field qualities, Spurs are also keenly aware that the Englishman would help satisfy the homegrown player quota.

Cirkin's current deal at the Stadium of Light expires next summer, with Sunderland supposedly aiming to prevent the defender leaving on a free at the end of the season.

Cirkin surplus to requirements

Even with Reinildo suspended for the win at Nottingham Forest on the weekend, Cirkin was unable to feature for the newly-promoted Black Cats.

Also joining the club over the summer, Arthur Masuaku started at left-back for Sunderland, who secured a 1-0 triumph at the City Ground.

Cirkin is down the pecking order at the Stadium of Light and could depart in January without making a competitive appearance in the first half of 2025-26.