Premier League 2026 Preview: Spurs vs Leeds – Prediction, Team News, Lineups
The air will be charged with tension at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Monday evening as Tottenham Hotspur welcome Leeds United. The significance of this fixture cannot be understated for both teams, especially Tottenham. Roberto De Zerbi’s Tottenham Hotspur currently occupy 17th position on the league table, with 37 points in hand. They are only one point above the relegation zone due to West Ham United’s recent loss to Arsenal on the weekend. For the London-based club, a win on Monday would see them have a cushion of four points heading into the final part of the campaign.
Leeds United, on the other hand, visit with 43 points in their accounts, enough for them to occupy 16th place on the table. The Yorkshire-based club has recently won 3-1 against relegated Burnley in their previous fixture, thanks to goals by Stach, Okafor, and Calvert Lewin. As such, Leeds are safe from relegation. With little to worry about, the visitors will be capable of playing without any restrictions, acting as spoilers to a team fighting for survival.
FORM
- Tottenham (LLDWW)
- Leeds United (WWDLW)
Notwithstanding their humiliating standing in the league standings this term, Tottenham have started to demonstrate real character at precisely the perfect moment. De Zerbi’s side arrive into this encounter having gone without defeat in their past three league games. Key wins over Wolves and Aston Villa have helped them rediscover some faith in North London, showcasing that they do indeed have the necessary mettle for a tough relegation battle.
INSIGHTS
- Tottenham managed only five goals in their last five games
- The Leeds United nine-game away unbeaten streak is the longest for the club since 1975
- Tottenham won two consecutive Premier League games for the first time in several months
- Leeds United have suffered three straight defeats when facing Tottenham on the road
Team News
Tottenham
De Zerbi is expected to stay the course with the core group that ignited this late-season revival. The midfield will feature a tireless two-man pivot, with João Palhinha’s steel partnering Rodrigo Bentancur’s vision. In the final third, Mathys Tel and Conor Gallagher will be tasked with stretching the Leeds defence to provide service for the Randal Kolo Muani and Richarlison partnership.
Expected XI: Kinsky; Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bentancur, Palhinha; Tel, Gallagher, Kolo Muani; Richarlison.
Leeds United
The visitors arrive hampered by a late-season fitness crisis. Noah Okafor, who was clinical in the victory over Burnley, is nursing a calf strain and remains a major doubt for Monday evening. Key defender Pascal Struijk is also battling a hip issue; if he is ruled out, it could force a significant reshuffle in the Leeds rearguard, potentially opening the door for Wilfried Gnonto to lead a more attack-heavy response alongside Calvert-Lewin.
Expected XI: Darlow; Rodon, Bijol, Struijk; Bogle, Ampadu, Stach, Tanaka, Justin; Gnonto, Calvert-Lewin.
Prediction: The final scoreline would read 2-2. Tottenham Hotspur’s desperation for victory cannot be overstated, and it will most definitely translate to a frenzied, combative display of football from the very first minute. However, with Leeds United’s counter-attacking threat and pace in attack, it may prove sufficient for the home team to capitalize on gaps left behind by a rabid Spurs side.
