Leeds United welcome Newcastle United to Elland Road in a crunch relegation showdown at foot of the Premier League.
Depending on results elsewhere, Leeds can climb as high as 11th with victory whereas Newcastle can boost their survival hopes with a win.
Team News
Adam Forshaw is ruled out for Leeds with a hamstring injury suffered during their 3-2 away win at West Ham last weekend.
Junior Firpo, Liam Cooper, Kalvin Phillips (both hamstring), Jamie Shackleton (Achilles), Patrick Bamford (foot), Sam Greenwood (knee) and Charlie Cresswell (shoulder) are ruled out.
Diego Llorente (suspension), Tyler Roberts (calf) and Joe Gelhardt (ankle) could return.
Newcastle could welcome Ciaran Clark back after he spent recent weeks rebuilding his match fitness, following a period of self-isolation after testing positive for Coronavirus.
Javier Manquillo (suspension) is also back in contention but Federico Fernandez (thigh), Isaac Hayden (knee) and Callum Wilson (calf) remain absent.
Stat Attack
- Leeds have lost just one of their last five Premier League meetings against Newcastle (W2, D2, L1).
- Newcastle have avoided defeat in four of their last five Premier League trips to Leeds (W3, D1, L1).
- Raphinha has scored two goals in three appearances for Leeds against Newcastle.
- Five of Leeds’ last seven goals at home have been scored after half-time.
- Four of Newcastle’s 225 shots in the Premier League this season have hit the woodwork.
Prediction
Having fought their way to a clinical victory at West Ham in a cracking battle despite twice blowing one goal leads, Leeds can come into this game full of confidence amidst their continued injury crisis but their defensive marking just needs tidying up.
Newcastle meanwhile are continuing to make progress but wasted chances was their biggest downfall against Watford, especially after playing with energy and quality defending which was undone by poor set piece marking.
In fact, I would be surprised if we don’t see goals at both ends of the pitch given the attacking improvements within both teams, so am going for a wild punt on a score draw.
Prediction: Leeds 2-2 Newcastle
Result: Leeds 0-1 Newcastle
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