Marcelo Bielsa outlines why Tottenham will provide tough test of Leeds principles

Leeds have responded well to a 6-2 beating at the hands of Man United by grabbing victories over Burnley and West Brom

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Marcelo Bielsa insists Leeds will be given a much tougher test of their principles against Tottenham after their impressive thrashing of West Brom.

Bielsa’s side have been criticised this season for their devotion to their preferred style of play, but Leeds justified their approach once again with a rampant 5-0 win over Sam Allardyce’s Baggies.

Following the 6-2 loss to Manchester United, Bielsa have responded with back-to-back wins against Burnley and West Brom, but Bielsa anticipates a different kind of test against Jose Mourinho’s side.

READ MORE: Marcelo Bielsa tells Leeds there are bigger challenges ahead after West Brom thrashing

"With respect to Tottenham and the way they're playing, they're a very difficult team to face," Bielsa said.

"In every position they have solid, good players, they have options, they have strikers who can unbalance and they're very clear on how they want to play.

"It's a team in which you can clearly see the influence of the manager, they're very competitive."

Leeds' London jinx stretches back to December 2017 when they won 3-1 at QPR and they have lost at Crystal Palace and Chelsea since returning to the Premier League.

Midfielder Jamie Shackleton could be handed a rare start if Mateusz Klich fails to recover in time from the thigh strain that forced him off during the 5-0 win at West Brom in midweek.

Skipper Liam Cooper remains doubtful after missing the last two games with an abdominal injury, so Kalvin Phillips may have to continue in central defence.

Robin Koch is recovering from knee surgery and it remains to be seen whether fellow centre-half Diego Llorente can return to contention after his recent setback.

Bielsa, who has been unable to put a timescale on Cooper's expected return, has not ruled out adding to his squad in the January transfer window.

"I can't give you a firm answer, I can't say yes or no," he said.

"If there's a player that clearly improves the squad then obviously that would be good for the club.

"The option to bring a great player to the club sometimes depends on the needs of the team, but sometimes opportunities arise.

"In this sense, Victor Orta (director of football) has a way of working which usually benefits the team."

PA