Leeds United will play their final match of 2022 on New Year’s Eve, taking on Newcastle United away from home in this Premier League clash (3pm).
The Whites face a tough task heading to St James’ Park, hoping to be the first team to take maximum points there this season. Newcastle have lost just once in the league this term, which was away from home against Liverpool.
Sitting third in the table, Eddie Howe’s side have won nine, drawn six and lost just the once from their 16 matches, meaning their resurgence throughout 2022 is now bringing hope of European football.
Both teams will be hoping to move up the table with wins to end the year. If Jesse Marsch’s side can end on a high, a reward would be moving up to 12th spot and putting a gap between them and the teams below them. A loss could see them get overtaken by others below.
The Magpies have the possibility of going second to end the year, if they can win. Manchester City sit just two points in front, meaning they are a realistic target at this stage of the campaign.
Rodrigo and Almiron are top of the scoring charts for their respective teams, with both players having scored nine so far, as well as having an assist each to their name.
The match has not been selected for live television coverage within the UK. You can stay right here on leedsunited.com to follow live updates throughout the 90 minutes, or listen to uninterrupted commentary on LUTV!
Manager/head coach:
Newcastle: Eddie Howe
Leeds: Jesse Marsch
What has Jesse Marsch said, ahead of the match?
“I think, first, that Newcastle are most dangerous in transition. We’ve got to be better in those moments, they are very good from their wide spaces, in one-v-one situations and then very dangerous once they get into the attacking third.”
Head to head:
Newcastle: 40
Draws: 19
Leeds: 39
A memorable moment at St James' Park:
League position:
Newcastle: 3rd
Leeds: 15th
Premier League top scorer:
Newcastle: Almiron (9)
Leeds: Rodrigo (9)
Team news:
Jesse Marsch will be able to call upon Tyler Adams again in centre of the pitch, as the midfielder returns from a one match suspension. The head coach is also hoping to welcome back Crysencio Summerville and Jack Harrison to his side, but Patrick Bamford is still out.
The hosts could welcome back England international Callum Wilson from illness, but after winning comfortably last time out at Leicester, an unchanged side is the most likely choice. Jonjo Shelvey and Paul Dummett remain the only confirmed injuries in the side.
Officials:
Referee - Simon Hooper
Assistant Referee - Adrian Holmes
Assistant Referee - Mark Scholes
Fourth Official - Craig Pawson
Video Assistant Referee - Michael Salisbury
How to watch:
The match has been selected for live television coverage on Amazon Prime Video. Alternatively, you can stay right here on leedsunited.com to follow updates throughout the 90 minutes, or listen to uninterrupted commentary on LUTV!
