Newcastle United look to finish a memorable 2022 on a high as Eddie Howe’s Magpies host Leeds United at St James’ Park.
Victory would see Newcastle go second if Manchester City lose elsewhere, whilst Leeds can go 12th with a win if results elsewhere also go in their favour.
Team News
Jonjo Shelvey is ruled out for Newcastle with a calf injury which prevented him from featuring in the Magpies’ win at Leicester on Boxing Day.
Callum Wilson (illness) could return but Emil Krafth (knee), Paul Dummett (calf) and Alexander Isak (muscle) remain absent.
Leeds could welcome Tyler Adams back into contention after he missed their defeat against Manchester City due to suspension.
Luis Sinisterra (foot), Archie Gray (toe), Patrick Bamford (hip) and Stuart Dallas (thigh) are still sidelined.
Stat Attack
- Newcastle are unbeaten in four of their last six league meetings against Leeds (W2, D2, L2), although both victories came away at Elland Road in November 2016 and January 2022 respectively.
- Leeds have lost just one of their last five league visits to Newcastle (W2, D2, L1).
- Leeds’ former winger, Raphinha scored in each of their last two visits to St James’ Park (W1, D1).
- Each of Newcastle’s last six bookings in their last three home fixtures in all competitions came after half-time.
- Crysencio Summerville and Rodrigo have both scored in each of Leeds’ last two away matches, in which Summerville netted twice and Rodrigo scored three goals.
Prediction
Unbeaten in their last 13 matches in all competitions and just one goal conceded in their last six matches alone, Newcastle have a huge opportunity to finish 2022 on a real high especially after a tenacious win at Leicester which blew the Foxes’ defence apart.
Leeds meanwhile knew that beating Man City was an near-impossible task yet they certainly mounted a strong defensive display even once beaten, so can afford to take the positives into this game where they probably will be in for another difficult contest.
Jesse Marsch’s men though will probably need to be wary of Newcastle’s various goal threats across the pitch because if they can frustrate the Magpies’ midfield, they might stand a chance at victory if are clinical otherwise I can see a home win coming but this should be a cracking contest.
Prediction: Newcastle 2-1 Leeds
Result: Newcastle 0-0 Leeds
Leave a Reply