Tottenham Projected XI for Saturday Afternoon Versus Leeds

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WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 27: Hugo Lloris of Tottenham Hotspur collects the ball. (Photo by Carl Recine – Pool/Getty Images) /

After an unanticipated break midweek, Tottenham Hotspur again take the field versus Leeds Saturday afternoon in north London, here are the XI that should start.

We know José Mourinho was not happy with the postponement as he lost a day entirely as the team neither played nor really practiced. However, the rest for the players was something that several needed and should help with a strong Leeds United coming to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. With a couple extra days to rest, practice, and prepare, here is the XI we expect to see José Mourinho line-up against Leeds.

Rescheduled Rotation

It was likely that against Fulham midweek, Tottenham was going to undergo some rotation. Our projected XI for Fulham included Joe Rodon, Dele Alli, and Erik Lamela. After the game was postponed due to Covid concerns at Fulham, the opportunity for rotation is gone and all three are likely back to the bench.

While those three are back to the bench, we know neither Giovani Lo Celso nor Gareth Bale are available for selection, as both continue to recover from muscle injuries. Bale had finally seemed to be in full playing shape and Lo Celso was starting to really impact games, but both are again unavailable.

Outside of Lo Celso and Bale there are not any current injuries at Hotspur Way. And fortunately, it sounds like both Lucas Moura and Carlos Vinicius are again available for selection after not being available for about a week. With a nearly full cabinet for selection and ample rest for everyone, José is going to field the team he believes is most likely going to bring home the win. It starts with Captain Hugo Lloris.

Keeper – Captain – Hugo Lloris

Hugo Lloris is the obvious choice in goal for Spurs. Tottenham only have three less clean sheets than they had in total in league last season and they still have 60% of the games to play. Lloris has been phenomenal at times, although like the rest of the team, has just been solid the last month. It is quite likely Spurs are going to need one or two top notch saves from the skipper Saturday as Leeds take their chances.