Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United travel to face Newcastle United on Tuesday evening (6pm). 

The Whites head to the North East to take on Steve Bruces side, officially marking the half-way point of their Premier League campaign, as it will be the 19th match out of 38. 

The two teams met at Elland Road in December, with the Whites running out comfortable 5-2 winners. Going into that game, Leeds occupied 14th place in the division, whereas Newcastle were in 12th.

A run of eight matches without victory in the Premier League has seen Bruce’s men slip to 16th, whereas the Whites have managed three wins in their last six, moving them up to 12th.  

A key-player missing from the previous match who has now returned to fitness for Tuesday’s hosts, is Allan Saint-Maximin. The winger is widely regarded as one of the best young talents in the division and his form will be key for the Magpies as they look to regain their form. 

Both clubs come into the game on the back of defeats. Leeds lost by a single goal at home to Brighton and were stopped from scoring for the second successive league match.

Newcastle were beaten in Saturday’s only Premier League fixture, losing away at Aston Villa by a two-goal margin, which was their third league match in a row without finding the back of the net.

When they both clubs do score, two players that are generally in or around the list of names you would predict, would be Patrick Bamford and Callum Wilson. Both strikers lead the line regularly and top the charts for their respective sides.

Defensively, Newcastle’s backline has kept three clean sheets so far in the campaign, whereas Leeds have stopped the opposition from scoring in six of their 18 matches thus far.  

An intriguing midweek clash awaits, which can be watched live on BT Sport. 

Manager/head coach

Newcastle: Steve Bruce

Leeds: Marcelo Bielsa

League position 

Newcastle: 16th

Leeds: 12th

Premier League form 

Newcastle: DLLLL

Leeds: LWWLL

Premier League top scorer

Newcastle: Callum Wilson (8)

Leeds: Patrick Bamford (10)

Head to head

Newcastle: 39

Draws: 19

Leeds: 38

Last time at St James’ Park

Friday 14th April, 2017

Championship 

Newcastle United 1 (Lascelles 67’)

Leeds United 1 (Wood 90+5’)

Team news 

Following 10 days without a match, Marcelo Bielsa has confirmed that there are no new injury concerns in the camp for the trip to Newcastle. Illan Meslier is available for selection again, as is Diego Llorente following his impressive 45-minute performance for the Under-23s side. Kalvin Phillips also played 45 minutes in that match and will be back in the squad, after his suspension.  

For the Magpies, Allan Saint-Maximin’s substitute appearance against Aston Villa was a welcome return, despite the loss. The winger is fit and available for selection again, so will need to be watched closely. Ciaran Clark, Frederico Fernandez and Paul Dummett have all been ruled out, with Javier Manquillo still facing assessment prior to the game. 

Officials

Referee - Anthony Taylor

Assistant Referee 1 - Gary Beswick

Assistant Referee 2 - James Mainwaring

Fourth Official - Peter Bankes

Video Assistant Referee - Jared Gillett

The key battle

Allan Saint-Maximin vs Luke Ayling

His recent return to fitness and the lack of form for the Geordies, makes it look likely that they will turn to the French winger to revive their season. His pace, trickery and flair has been clear to see since his arrival in the Premier League and that means he will need to be watched at all times. 

Ayling has been mightily impressive for the Whites this season, wherever he has been deployed on the pitch. Recent performances at the heart of the defence have not stopped him breaking forward, creating chances, and causing a threat as well as contributing massively in defence.  

The likelihood is that Ayling will return to right full-back, where as Saint-Maximin will play left-wing, so there is bound to be some interesting battles down that side at both ends of the pitch. 

Latest odds

Newcastle: 29/10

Draw: 14/5

Leeds: 17/20

How to watch

The game will be broadcast on BT Sport, with live commentary on LUTV.