Jim White fancies Leeds to beat Tottenham but Perry Groves thinks injuries could hinder chances
Jim White claims Leeds United will continue their fine home form against the top clubs by beating Tottenham on Saturday.
The talkSPORT host was discussing the match alongside former Arsenal player Perry Groves, who suggests Leeds’ success could depend on certain players being available.
Liam Cooper, Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha missed last week’s defeat against Brighton but the latter two could be fit enough to return against Ryan Mason’s side, while Cooper is back from suspension.
Discussing the Elland Road clash, Groves told talkSPORT, “Leeds have got a brilliant home record against the so-called big six, they’re unbeaten at home against Chelsea, Arsenal and the two Manchester teams.
“The big difference for Leeds is if Phillips is fit, they missed him, they missed Cooper against Brighton, and Raphinha too.
“Leeds are a team who can’t afford to have three of their best players out. Put it this way it’s not going to be a 0-0 draw.”
And White added, “Bielsa continues to impress…I fancy Leeds to win that.”
There for the taking
Leeds have adjusted their style of play recently with Marcelo Bielsa seemingly keen on making us more difficult to beat.
It worked against the two Manchester sides and Liverpool but it is beginning to negatively affect our attacking players.
Patrick Bamford voiced his frustration at his recent lack of goalscoring chances this week [BBC Radio Leeds] so we think it is time Bielsa loosened the shackles a little.
After all, we have played our best stuff by showing intensity and adventure in attack.
We are safe and Tottenham are a side who buckle under pressure, as they have shown many times this season.
Sitting back to try and contain Harry Kane and Gareth Bale, who scored a hattrick last week, is unlikely to produce results, as few teams have managed to stop Tottenham scoring.
As White says, we are more than capable of winning, particularly if we play our best football, and with Raphinha back the team should be much more threatening going forward.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites have sounded out a transfer deal to sign a 28-year-old defender with 6.7 interceptions per game.