Thomas Frank will be in the dugout for the third time in just seven days when Tottenham Hotspur head to Elland Road on Saturday to face Leeds United in what will be both sides’ final match before the October international break. For Spurs, it represents an important chance to maintain their strong early-season form, while for Leeds it is an opportunity to close the gap on their visitors, having made a steady but unspectacular start to the campaign.
The fixture also carries added significance for Leeds supporters, as it marks the return of Archie Gray to Elland Road for the first time since his departure. The young midfielder’s exit was a major talking point during the summer, and his reception from the home crowd will undoubtedly be closely observed. Yet the build-up to the game has been dominated by matters away from the pitch, with the UK bracing itself for the arrival of Storm Amy.
Earlier in the week, only small parts of England were forecast to feel the effects of the storm, but updated information from the Met Office has confirmed that the impact will now be widespread. West Yorkshire is firmly within the affected zone, and a yellow weather warning has been issued covering the entirety of Saturday. Heavy downpours and dangerously strong wind gusts are expected, with rainfall predicted at a 90 per cent probability and winds potentially reaching 50 miles per hour in certain areas.
For those planning to attend the game, this could result in significant disruption. While officials have stressed that there is no immediate risk of postponement, travel conditions are expected to be extremely difficult. Roads across West Yorkshire are at risk of flooding, while the strong winds increase the likelihood of fallen trees and temporary closures. Rail and bus services may also face delays, meaning that supporters travelling from further afield could encounter considerable obstacles in making it to Elland Road on time.
Leeds United, for their part, are already making preparations to ensure safety in and around the ground. Contingency plans are being drawn up by club officials working alongside the stadium manager, local police, and emergency services. These procedures are designed not only to manage access to Elland Road but also to respond quickly to any sudden deterioration in conditions on matchday. Measures could include road closures or controlled access points around the stadium, depending on the level of rainfall and flooding in surrounding areas.
Former Premier League referee Keith Hackett has spoken to MOT Leeds News about the situation, noting that extensive pre-match planning will be underway behind the scenes. According to Hackett, such planning meetings are crucial to ensuring that supporters remain safe regardless of the weather. He also highlighted that if the match does go ahead as scheduled, the officials must be prepared for the possibility that the conditions worsen to the point that the game cannot be completed. In that scenario, there must already be protocols in place to suspend or abandon the match if necessary.
Ultimately, while Saturday’s clash between Leeds and Tottenham remains set to proceed, there is little doubt that Storm Amy will cast a shadow over the occasion. Both sets of supporters face an uncertain journey, and even if the game reaches its conclusion without disruption, the weather is likely to play a role in the atmosphere and potentially in the match itself. With Spurs looking to preserve their impressive early-season record and Leeds aiming to close the gap before the international break, the conditions at Elland Road could prove to be as much of a challenge as the opposition on the pitch.
