Leeds United are back at Elland Road on Saturday afternoon (15:00), where they will take on Newcastle United in what is expected to be another entertaining Premier League encounter.
The Whites go into the game having won both of their league matches in 2022, following victories over Burnley and most recently, West Ham United. Marcelo Bielsa’s side scored three goals in each of those matches on their way to taking the points.
Newcastle are winless in their last five matches, with their only three points of the season coming in early December during a one-goal success over Burnley. However, performances have improved and two draws on in their last two matches have seen points added to the tally.
A draw was the outcome when the two teams met at St James’ Park in September. Raphinha opened the scoring in the match but Allan Saint-Maximin equalised for the hosts just before half-time.
Both of those players have gone on to be key throughout the first half of the campaign for each side. Raphinha has eight goals and two assists, whilst Saint-Maximin has five goals and three assists, showing their importance for the teams when it comes to goal contributions.
The Whites have scored three goals in both of their league games in 2022, which has seen them take full points. Newcastle come to Elland Road with a strong recent record in this fixture, having scored at least twice an impressive seven times in a row against the Whites on their travels.
Last season through, those two goals weren’t enough as Bielsa’s side ran out comfortable 5-2 winners, which was then back up with another success in a 2-1 victory at St James’ Park. Jack Harrison netted in both matches that season with two superb goals.
The Magpies have strengthened their squad in the January window with two experienced Premier League players. Leeds know all about Chris Wood, who joined from Burnley, whilst Kieran Trippier has also joined Eddie Howe’s side from Atletico Madrid, returning to England’s top-flight.
Both teams are locked on their head to head record against one another, with 39 wins each, in a match up that has also seen 19 draws. Newcastle are winless in their last four against Leeds, a run that stretches back to 2016, which was also the last time they won at Elland Road.
A win for Leeds could see them go as high as high as 11th in the table, depending on results elsewhere this weekend. Following Friday night's win for Norwich, three points would move Newcastle above Watford into 18th, one point back from the Canaries who are in 17th spot.
The match has not been selected for television coverage, but as always, there will be full updates on the game right here on leedsunited.com. Subscribers can also listen live to full commentary from Elland Road, on LUTV.
Manager/head coach
Leeds: Marcelo Bielsa
Newcastle: Eddie Howe
What Marcelo Bielsa said, ahead of the match?
“He’s [Eddie Howe] found a system, he’s found an habitual group of players, a starting XI which repeats itself regularly. He’s evened the team out in all of the games, they have been close to all of their opponents in all the games they have played. This all talks positively about the job he is doing.”
League position
Leeds: 15th
Newcastle: 19th
Premier League form
Leeds: LLLWW
Newcastle: LLLDD
Top scorer
Leeds: Raphinha (8)
Newcastle: Callum Wilson (6)
Head to head
Leeds: 39
Draws: 19
Newcastle: 39
A memorable moment against Newcastle
Team news
Marcelo Bielsa is hopeful that a trio of players will be returning to action this weekend. Diego Llorente returns from suspension, whilst Tyler Roberts and Joe Gelhardt could be involved after recent injuries. However, Junior Firpo and Adam Forshaw will miss the game after picking up knocks in the win at West Ham.
For Newcastle, Javier Manquillo is back from suspension, but fellow defenders Ciaran Clark and Federico Fernandez are expected to be out. Top-scorer Callum Wilson and midfielder Isaac Hayden are also longer term issues for the Magpies.
Officials
Referee - Chris Kavanagh
Assistant Referee - Dan Cook
Assistant Referee - Harry Lennard
Fourth Official - David Coote
Video Assistant Referee - Eddie Smart
A key battle
Jack Harrison vs Miguel Almiron
Take a look at some key stats between two tricky forward thinking players on either side, ahead of them facing off against one another at Elland Road this weekend.
Latest odds
Leeds: 19/20
Draw: 11/4
Newcastle: 13/5
How to watch
The match has not been selected for television broadcast coverage within the UK. Live commentary is available as always on LUTV, with up to date blog updates on leedsunited.com
Supporter information
Please remember that all supporters attending matches risk being denied entry if they are unable to show their NHS COVID pass or proof of a negative NHS COVID test. This will be the case for all home and away fixtures.
In line with the recent changes, the club has also updated the Supporter Code of Conduct, this can be found here.
The Premier League have completed a list of FAQs around the current COVID protocols, please click here for more information.