Leeds v Spurs Head to Head

Ian Harte v

Stephen Carr

As Republic of Ireland international team-mates, Ian Harte and Stephen Carr will undoubtedly know one another's game extremely well. And despite both players operating at full back, they will undoubtedly clash during Saturday's game between Leeds and Spurs, as both enjoy getting forward at every given opportunity.

In fact, such is Harte's goalscoring record, that he may be disappointed that he has only found the back of the net on one occasion this season. It has not been for a lack of trying, as no Premiership defender has attempted more shots than the Leeds man.

Since the 2000-01 campaign began, Harte has fired in 14 shots - 10 more than Carr - hitting the target with 28% of his efforts. He is United's free-kick specialist and penalty taker, so will surely have opportunities to score against Tottenham. Harte is 6/1 to score from a free-kick.

However, despite Harte's undoubted ability from set pieces, he has not been as impressive in front of goal as Carr so far this season. The Spurs man has hit the target with exactly half of his attempts on goal, scoring once. He is quoted at 20/1 to open the scoring on Saturday, and given his propensity for getting forward, this could prove an excellent bet.

However, both players' main assignment on Saturday, will probably be stifling the other's attacking surges. And in terms of challenges, it looks as though Carr may come out on top.

So far this term, Carr has emerged with the ball in 84% of his tackles - nine percentage points better than Harte - earning rave reviews and a reported £15,000 a week contract from his manager George Graham.

The Tottenham defender has also been extremely composed on the ball when he has gained possession. Carr has found a team-mate with 76% of his passes - seven percentage points better than the Leeds man - although neither player has managed an assist to date.

Spurs have not beaten Leeds at Elland Road since 1996, so the chances of them picking up all three points on Saturday perhaps seem slim. Certainly, if Harte can play like he has in recent weeks, David O'Leary's team stand an excellent chance. But no one is better equipped to halt Harte's attacking forays than his international colleague. And if Carr can find the time to get forward himself, Tottenham could spring a surprise.

Rupert Webster