When Leeds United hosts Newcastle United at Elland Road on Saturday, they will be looking to make it three wins in a row in the Premier League.
Leeds United beat West Ham United 3-2 in an exciting match at the London Stadium last Saturday, putting on one of their best-attacking displays of the 2012/13 Premier League season. As the Whites moved nine points clear of the relegation zone, Jack Harrison found his scoring form with a superb hat-trick.
Leeds have quickly avenged their FA Cup exit at the hands of West Ham United, and things are looking better for the club after a disappointing first half of the season. Marcelo Bielsa’s side, who have an immaculate league victory record in 2022, will be looking to extend their winning streak to climb the table.
Although the Whites’ long-standing defensive problems mean they are still carrying their Achilles heel — a total of 39 goals conceded is the most outside of the relegation zone – they have conceded 19 of those goals in their previous seven Premier League games. Their opponents, on the other hand, have a much worse defensive record.
Leeds United Premier League form:
D-L-L-L-W-W
Callum Wilson’s return is still a long way off, with the Newcastle talisman set to miss another six weeks. Isaac Hayden’s recovery is also set for March, while Ciaran Clark is still dealing with COVID-19. Jamal Lewis will be evaluated before the game, but Newcastle’s injury issues appear to be subsiding.
Federico Fernandez, the central defender, has returned to full training, which is good news for Eddie Howe. Despite this, the Argentine defender’s return from a month-long layoff may come too soon for the weekend’s meeting, while Javier Manquillo returns from a suspension to enhance Howe’s defensive options.
Newcastle United Premier League form:
W-L-L-L-D-D
Leeds United vs Newcastle Team News:
Leeds:
Patrick Bamford, Liam Cooper, Charlie Cresswell, Junior Firpo, Adam Forshaw, Sam Greenwood, Kalvin Phillips, Jamie Shackleton, Joe Gelhardt and Tyler Robert are all injured or doubtful for today
Newcastle:
While Federico Fernández, Isaac Hayden, Callum Wilson and Ciaran Clark are injured for Newcastle.
Leeds united Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Meslier; Ayling, Llorente, Struijk, Dallas; Koch, Klich; Raphinha, Rodrigo, Harrison; James
Newcastle United Probable Lineup (4-5-1): Dubravka; Trippier, Lascelles, Schar, Dummett; Fraser, Longstaff, Shelvey, Joelinton, Saint-Maximin; Wood
Our Prediction
Leeds United put up a strong performance to overcome a high-flying West Ham side 3-2 in London last weekend. The Whites have now won back-to-back games. While their medical room does not appear to be getting any smaller any time soon. Their young players have stepped up to the plate.
Leeds have been quite good at Elland Road in recent weeks. Despite their terrible bottom-half status, their offence might flourish against the Magpies’ frail defence.
While the Magpies’ away record has been terrible. There have been definite signs of progress under Eddie Howe’s leadership, and better results should come sooner or later as a result of the constructive effort on and off the field. While we expect a 2-2 draw at Elland Road, with both sides being defensively vulnerable.
For more updates, follow us on Twitter.
