Leeds United face Newcastle United at Elland Road on Saturday lunchtime, in their penultimate home match of the 2022/23 Premier League campaign.
After being appointed as head coach of the Whites last week, Sam Allardyce will take charge of his first match on home turf, following his first game in the dugout coming against Manchester City last weekend.
Newcastle arrive in West Yorkshire aiming to strengthen their hold on a place in the Champions League spots. Eddie Howe’s side are currently third, in a game that will prove to be another tough test for Leeds.
When the two teams met at St James’s Park earlier in the season, a hard-fought battle saw both teams come away with a point following a 0-0 draw.
With just three games remaining for Leeds and four for the Magpies, the stakes are high for both teams. Allardyce is hoping to turn the fortunes of his squad around and move out of the relegation places with such a short time remaining.
A win for Leeds on Saturday, depending on results elsewhere, could see them move above Leicester City, Everton and Nottingham Forest into 16th spot, prior to the trio also playing at different times over the upcoming weekend.
A main reason for success in Howe’s first full season in charge has been in defence. Saturday’s visiting head coach has seen his side concede just 29 goals this season, which is the best in the division.
The dangers in attack are well-known on each team. Rodrigo scored his 12th of the season last weekend, whereas Callum Wilson has been in fine form, he has 15 to his name.
The match has been selected for live television coverage within the UK on BT Sport. For those not attending the game or watching on television, you can stay right here on leedsunited.com to follow live updates throughout the 90 minutes, or listen to uninterrupted commentary on LUTV!
What has Sam Allardyce said, ahead of the match?
“I'd like us to score the first goal if possible. That’s very important for us on Saturday. Getting the first goal would be a big lift.”
Head to head:
Leeds: 39
Draws: 20
Newcastle: 40
A memorable moment against Newcastle:
League position:
Leeds: 19th
Newcastle: 3rd
Last time out:
Premier League top scorer:
Leeds: Rodrigo (12)
Newcastle: Callum Wilson (15)
Officials:
Referee - Simon Hooper
Assistant Referee - Adrian Holmes
Assistant Referee - Mark Scholes
Fourth Official - Graham Scott
Video Assistant Referee - Neil Swarbrick
How to watch:
The match has been selected for live television coverage within the UK on BT Sport. For those not attending the game or watching on television, you can stay right here on leedsunited.com to follow live updates throughout the 90 minutes, or listen to uninterrupted commentary on LUTV!
