Leeds Lose Two Star Men for Tottenham Visit as Farke Turns to Calvert-Lewin

Leeds United will be without two star players for Monday night's Premier League fixture against Tottenham Hotspur at Elland Road. Daniel Farke's side line up in a 3-5-2; Roberto De Zerbi's Tottenham set up in a 4-2-3-1.

The absences remove two of Leeds' most reliable attacking outlets for a match that could shape the bottom half of the table. Farke's side sit within reach of Tottenham, and a win would lift Leeds above their visitors. Without those two starters, the burden shifts to the players who remain.

Farke has chosen a 3-5-2: three centre-backs, five across midfield, two forwards. The shape gives Leeds extra cover in central areas and allows the wing-backs to drop into a back five when Tottenham have the ball. Against De Zerbi's 4-2-3-1, that midfield five will try to squeeze the space between the lines where Tottenham's attacking midfielder operates.

The risk is isolation for the two forwards. If Leeds sit deep and the wing-backs stay pinned, the front pair can be left chasing long clearances with little support. Farke's midfielders will need to break forward quickly when possession turns over, or Leeds will struggle to keep the ball in Tottenham's half.

De Zerbi's 4-2-3-1 gives Tottenham a double pivot in front of the back four and three attacking players behind a lone striker. The shape is designed to create overloads in wide areas and allow the full-backs to push high. Against a 3-5-2, Tottenham's full-backs can advance without a direct opponent, forcing Leeds' wing-backs to decide whether to track them or hold their position in the back five.

The key for Tottenham is patience. Leeds will concede possession and look to counter. If Tottenham move the ball quickly enough, they can pull the five-man midfield out of shape and find gaps between the centre-backs. If they are slow, Leeds will have time to reset.

Andrew Robertson, Antonín Kinský, Ao Tanaka, Archie Gray and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are the players to watch. Robertson's experience at left-back or wing-back will be tested by Tottenham's wide overloads. Kinský, in goal, faces a Tottenham attack that will look to test him early from set pieces and crosses. Tanaka and Gray must manage the centre of midfield against Tottenham's double pivot, while Calvert-Lewin's hold-up play will determine whether Leeds can relieve pressure.

Leeds have not confirmed the nature of the two absences beyond Farke's pre-match comments. Gabi is out for this week and will be assessed daily, but the other absence has not been detailed. Tottenham have no confirmed absences.

Kick-off at Elland Road is next. The team sheets are in, the shapes are set, and the missing names are the story before a ball is kicked.