Spurs v Leeds pre match analysis

By Jon H
August 20 2003

This weekend Leeds United are the visitors to the Lane. Now Leeds are always a formidable test for Spurs, and I can see this Saturday’s encounter being no different. Mark my words – Leeds will be one of THE teams to beat this season.

Pre-match analysis The footballing Gods have certainly not looked favourably upon those from the White Hart Lane Infirmary recently. Just what have we done to deserve the amount of injuries which we have sustained season after season ad infinitum. This week alone, Keano and Carr have been added to the lengthy list of those on the treatment table production line. This has been offset somewhat by the good news that both Ledley King and more importantly, Dean Richards are both well on the way back to match fitness, I will refrain from saying FULL fitness as no Spurs player, while at the club, will ever be fully fit. This weekend Leeds United are the visitors to the Lane. Now Leeds are always a formidable test for Spurs, and I can see this encounter being no different. Mark my words – Leeds will be one of THE teams to beat this season. They are a team on a mission this season, having been written off by all of the so-called experts. Leeds have a point to prove, and teams with a point to prove are a dangerous proposition as Champions league contenders Newcastle United found out last week. Up front Leeds have two of the best strikers in the Premiership in Alan Smith and Mark Viduka, both of whom have been thorns in Spurs side in the past. I am sure that both of these players will receive a warm reception from Spurs fans on Saturday. In Midfield Leeds have two dogs of war – Seth Johnson and Jody Morris [bless him]. The game could well hinge on how well Spurs midfield puts leashes and muzzles on these hounds. Out wide Leeds have the exciting French prospect – Sakho who I believe has signed on a year long loan deal from Marseilles. Last week he made an absolute nuisance of himself on the Leeds left so whoever has the job of marking him could be in for a busy afternoon. On the right Leeds have the ever dependable Wilcox who should not prove too much of a problem, as he looks short on pace now. Leeds looked shaky at times in defence last week and I feel that Postiga and Kanoute can exploit any indecision in the Leeds back line. As mentioned above, a lot will depend on Spurs midfield coping with Morris and Johnson in midfield. It is not going to pretty in midfield so I feel that Glenn could do worse than pick Chris Perry to go on there and mix it. Failing that Ledley King could do a job there but is lacking match fitness and sharpness. Also, it depends on which Mark Viduka turns up. If it is the Mark Viduka who turned up at the Lane last season then Leeds will struggle, but if not then it will be a close run thing in the end. As for my prediction I am going for 3 1 to Spurs after falling behind to an early Smith strike. Jon H