Leeds United have the opportunity to change the narrative and mood in what seems to be an early swing weekend

Leeds United need a win, for the sake of the mood of the fanbase and the morale of the squad. This feels like an early swing weekend for the Whites.

They are four points off the relegation zone but also four away from the Champions League spots. That’s how tight things are right now, heading into the 10th gameweek.

A defeat would still see Leeds tracking ahead of their 40-point target when broken down into points per game. Yet they would have collected the same number of points as last season if they do see their unbeaten home run end, a feat stretching back to March.

Tottenham Hotspur have hit form at the wrong time for Daniel Farke. They have won their last three games and conceded just once, which will only increase the angst of home fans.

Scoring issue

Leeds have scored just twice in the last five matches, yet what appears more concerning is the lack of quality opportunities that are being created. Farke has put the issue down to poor finishing, and this is indeed one aspect. A big aspect.

Yet also, the types of chances Leeds are getting are weak. Leeds ended the last game with 0.71 xG and just three shots inside the box. Bournemouth were being played on their own patch and were the most in-form team in the league but that attacking return was disappointing.

Leeds have got it in them; as was seen in the Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s disallowed goal, a lovely worked move leading to that chance. Leeds need a result but they certainly cannot go another game goalless. Or else pressure on Farke will, right or wrongly, start to crank up.

Pre-3pm kick off record

It’s a remarkable statistic. Leeds have not won a match that has kicked off before 3pm for 21 Premier League games, both home and away.

Of course Farke has not been here for all of those matches. And he has often underlined his distaste for lunchtime matches. Yet it is puzzling why at least just one win has not been recorded.

It is not a secret that the atmosphere at games during early kick offs are never as profound or excitable as later in the day. This record wildly contrasts with United’s night record, which goes before itself at Elland Road. Saturday would be a timely occasion to end the pre-3pm streak.

Ampadu tightrope

Ethan Ampadu will have to be on his best behaviour for the next 10 matches to avoid a yellow card suspension. It seems a big task given he is already one away from reaching the five-card threshold.

But, cynically, if he is to serve a ban there are better and worse times to do so. Leeds play Chelsea away after the international break and Ampadu’s presence at Stamford Bridge is vital. Without him Leeds are far weaker anyway.

But away at a team whose attackers are rated as among the best in the league, even title quality, losing Ampadu would be devastating. The captain has picked up a caution in each of his last four games. Farke will surely be urging him to end that run tomorrow.