Tottenham predicted XI vs Leeds - Roberto De Zerbi drops Joao Palhinha out
Tottenham Hotspur will look to extend their strong Premier League form on Monday when they host Leeds United in north London.
Like London buses, once one win arrives, another quickly follows, and that has certainly been the case for Spurs of late.
Just two weeks ago, the Lilywhites were on a winless run stretching back to the end of 2025, before Roberto De Zerbi officially sparked a turnaround.
A late win at Wolves was followed last Sunday by a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa, sealed by goals from Conor Gallagher and Richarlison.
Back at home for the first time since last month’s 2-2 draw with Brighton, Spurs welcome a Leeds side unbeaten in six league matches.
Roberto De Zerbi hands Spurs 'future' chance to impress
Tottenham finally ended their winless run with a recent victory over relegated Wolves, as Joao Palhinha struck the winner.
The midfielder again anchored De Zerbi’s midfield against Aston Villa and impressed after an underwhelming debut season in North London.
| Stat | Aston Villa | Tottenham |
| Possession (%) | 45 | 55 |
| Expected goals | 0.32 | 0.99 |
| Shots | 5 | 10 |
| Big chances | 1 | 2 |
| Accurate passes | 312 | 400 |
But, as Spurs prepare to host Leeds, the Italian could hand Archie Gray a first start after recently calling the former Leeds youngster the “future” of the club.
“He is very young, but big potential as a player,” De Zerbi said after Gray spent the last two weeks as an unused substitute.
“I think he can become the future. I am sure he can become the future of this club, the captain of this club.”
The 20-year-old could come in alongside Rodrigo Bentancur and Conor Gallagher in midfield, potentially earning his first minutes since the draw with Brighton as De Zerbi assesses him ahead of the summer rebuild.
Elsewhere, Mathys Tel and Randal Kolo Muani are set to continue either side of Richarlison after both impressed at Villa Park, with Kolo Muani delivering his best display yet in a Tottenham shirt.
Monday’s game comes too soon for James Maddison to start, though his progress could see him feature from the bench in the closing weeks of the campaign.
Tottenham could end long wait with Leeds win
Heading into the bout, the odds are stacked in Tottenham’s favour, who carry an impressive record against Leeds.
Having lost just once to the Whites since their 2020 promotion to the top flight, Spurs have dominated this fixture in recent times.
Alongside this, the Lilywhites are looking to end a dismal run without three wins on the bounce, having not done so since February 2025 under Ange Postecoglou.
Though only six teams have picked up more points than Leeds’ 32 since the start of December, meaning De Zerbi’s side will have to be at their best as they look to continue their form and end their barren run without consecutive wins.