Tottenham Projected XI for Saturday Afternoon Versus Leeds

Tottenham Defense

After missing the opportunity to slot in Joe Rodon for some minutes on Wednesday, any rotation will have to wait until next week when Tottenham play Brentford and Marine FC in Cup matches. With the need to keep pace with the league leaders the priority, there are no risks with the defense and Mourinho sticks with a familiar four.

Sergio Reguilón (LB)

It is unfortunate for Ben Davies that there was no game midweek as having two games per week helps with rotation. That said, there is little doubting that Sergio Reguilón provides more issues for the opposition and gets the call in what is likely to be an open match. Reguilón will want to push forward and try to force Jack Harrison into playing more defense than he wants to in his own half. If the fullbacks for Tottenham can get forward, they have some opportunity to make some noise.

Eric Dier (CB)

We thought that maybe, just maybe Dier would get a rest on Wednesday and it turns out that he did. While Dier has not looked sluggish on the pitch, he has logged a ton of minutes for the team. When we say a ton, it means the 5th most on the team and the most by a defender by almost 400 minutes over Toby Alderweireld. This is not to say Dier cannot handle a load but some rotation would just be nice. However, with the day off and more time to prepare, Dier will to be ready, as Patrick Bamford is going to be next to him all day long.

Toby Alderweireld (CB)

We thought maybe Toby would log a few minutes at the left side of the central defense midweek, but after the night off, the Belgian moves back to his traditional right-sided center back position. Toby seems to be fully recovered from an injury scare against Manchester City and seems to be back to top form. Like Dier, will be occupied by Bamford most of the day as the striker looks to run off the shoulder of one of the two defenders and into the channels. Good positioning and focus will be required, those are Toby specialties.

Serge Aurier (RB)

With a lone center striker like Tottenham have, Leeds like to make hay down the flanks. If Jack Harrison is on the right – although he could be on the left – it is likely Spurs will have to deal with Raphinha. The Brazilian provides a nice change of pace across from Harrison and has a couple of goals and a couple of assists. Aurier will need to be on top of his game as Leeds like to drive down the flanks and get service to Bamford in the middle when they are not looking for the through ball. José is going with his top line-up and it still includes Serge.