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Danny Bloomer

Leeds United told to be mindful of Achilles' heel as pundits issue Spurs predictions

Leeds United make the trip to Tottenham Hotspur this weekend in what is the final match before the World Cup break. The Whites will be looking to make it three wins in a row in the Premier League after beating both Liverpool and Bournemouth in each of their last two.

Spurs, meanwhile, have hit a slight bumpy patch in their season after a hectic run of fixtures both domestically and in Europe. Antonio Conte's side have lost four of their last seven matches, including a cup defeat at Nottingham Forest on Wednesday.

That said, FiveThirtyEight, a website that uses data and statistics to calculate the probability of outcomes at sporting events, has Spurs as overwhelming favourites with a 65% chance of winning, compared to just 16% for Leeds. Pundits from across the media have also been giving their predictions, and we have rounded them up.

READ MORE: Jermaine Beckford says Jesse Marsch's trust in youngsters 'speaks volumes' after Bournemouth win

Chris Sutton - BBC Sport

Chris Sutton of BBC Sport is backing a Spurs win: "I've really not got a clue what will happen here. Spurs boss Antonio Conte says his players are tired, yet they have this record of fighting back in games this season - so that does not really add up.

"I was genuinely delighted for Leeds boss Jesse Marsch that he followed up his win at Liverpool by beating Bournemouth, because he has had a bit of flak this season.

"I am really not sure about Tottenham's defence but they have to respond here after a bad week and, with Richarlison and Dejan Kulusevski in contention to start, they will be dangerous.

"This is the type of game where either side could win it, even if they fall behind - but I am going to go with Spurs."

Prediction: Spurs 3-1 Leeds

Paul Merson - Sportskeeda

Paul Merson of Sportskeeda is also predicting Spurs to narrowly come out on top: "Wow, I’m not sure about this game. Leeds attack and attack, and when the other team breaks, you wonder where it came from. There will be goals in this game because Leeds cannot defend.

"Leeds play with a lot of energy, and fair play to them - they stick to their guns. They play exactly the same way whether they're winning or losing, and that seems to be their Achilles' heel. They always play gung-ho football, and they'll cause Tottenham a few problems because of their energy.

"Tottenham need to have a go now. If they can play like they did in the second half against Liverpool, they can really be a proper team. They've turned it on in 45-minute spells against Marseille and Bournemouth, and they need to learn to play 90-minute football. I think it's come to a stage where Antonio Conte will ask his players to just go out and express themselves."

Prediction: Spurs 3-2 Leeds

Mark Lawrenson - PaddyPower

Prediction veteran Mark Lawrenson is also forecasting a home win. "Both went out of the Carabao during the week but you know that when you play against Leeds it’s going to be difficult as you have to match them physically.

"Tottenham are having a bit of a wobble but I don’t see anything other than a home win."

Prediction: Spurs 2-0 Leeds

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