Moura, Lucas
Harrison, Jack
Sam Allardyce must pull off a miracle on Sunday if he is to ensure Leeds’ survival in the Premier League as they take on Tottenham at Elland Road.
It was always going to be a difficult task for Big Sam as he took on the job at Leeds with just four games to go. After picking up a point in a 2-2 draw at home to Newcastle, there was hope that the Whites could evade the drop. However, a 3-1 defeat away to West Ham last time out has diminished those chances, albeit not completely taking them to zero.
Three points on Sunday doesn’t guarantee safety and they will need both Everton and Leicester to drop points. A draw for the Toffees will likely secure their spot in the division too, unless there is a three-goal swing in goal difference. A win for Leicester essentially assures their safety due to their superior goal difference.
Despite failing to win in any of their last eight, picking up just two points in the process, there is hope for Leeds as they face a Tottenham side who have won just once in their last seven. It has been a complete disaster for Spurs this season and they have declined since the departure of Antonio Conte. The North Londoners have also failed to find victory in any of their last nine away matches too, drawing just two of those games, giving the hosts hope of finding the win and staying up.
However, Spurs have won all three of their last consecutive meetings with Leeds, including a 4-0 triumph in this fixture last season. Although, the Whites have won two out of their last three home meetings against the Lilywhites.
The return of Rodrigo has been important for Leeds and he added his 13th league goal of the campaign as he found the opener against West Ham last time out. He picked up an injury in that match but has been training ahead of the clash with Spurs here so should be good to go. Jack Harrison’s creativity has also been important and if he and Rodrigo are on form Sunday, there’s no reason Leeds can’t find the win.
In light of Tottenham’s dreadful form, Harry Kane has not let up. He has been one of the few positives for the club this season and has scored 28 goals in the league thus far, currently on a run of four consecutive matches of hitting the back of the net. Speculation about his future remains.
Stuart Dallas, Luis Sinisterra and Tyler Adams will all miss the final game of the season for Leeds since they have failed to recover from their long-term injuries. Junior Firpo will be available once again after serving his suspension last time out but Patrick Bamford remains a doubt due to a hamstring injury.
Spurs will be without Cristian Romero for Sunday’s game after he picked up an injury against Aston Villa that kept him out of the Brentford defeat last time out. It’s a similar story for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg but he could be available. Eric Dier is out after recently undergoing groin surgery. Hugo Lloris, Ryan Sessegnon and Rodrigo Bentancur all remain out.
Expert Insight: Both sides have leaked plenty of goals of late but haven't been shy of scoring them either so expect plenty to go in on Sunday. Leeds will be doing everything they can to try and escape the drop in what will likely be a lively atmosphere at Elland Road. With Spurs having little to play for, the hosts have the upper hand in what should be an enthralling match-up.
Premier League