Preview for Leeds v Newcastle
It has not been an easy summer for Newcastle but their fortunes could be about to change as we enter the final few days of the transfer window.
Having been snubbed by the likes of Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and James Trafford, they could finally be about to bring in a new centre-forward – Germany international Nick Woltemade.
Woltemade is on the verge of joining from Stuttgart for a fee in the region of £65million, despite moving to the Swabians 12 months ago on a free transfer and having an underwhelming record in the Bundesliga.
At 6ft 6in, however, he will fit in with the direct style of play regularly employed by boss Eddie Howe.
Newcastle utilised the long ball to great effect against Liverpool on Monday night but it was not enough to stave off a 3-2 defeat. Their opening game of the season was a goalless draw at Aston Villa.
A trip to Elland Road is never straightforward and Howe accepts the visitors will have to silence the home crowd.
He said: “I think every time we’ve been to Elland Road we’ve experienced the atmosphere and the feeling in the stadium that the Leeds supporters try to create. I think it’s a very strong home support so we know the start of the game is going to be really important for us.
“Against Everton they played very, very well and even early parts of the Arsenal game I thought they were strong. They’ve invested well, they’ve got some good players and Daniel [Farke] has done well there.”
Leeds have three points from their first two fixtures, a controversial 1-0 win over Everton courtesy of Lukas Nmecha’s late penalty and a 5-0 drubbing at Arsenal. They also crashed out of the EFL Cup in midweek after losing to Sheffield Wednesday.
Team News for Leeds v Newcastle
Sandro Tonali could be fit despite being taken off against Liverpool with a damaged shoulder, sustained when going over to win a cheap free-kick while Fabian Schar is available. Joelinton is out with a groin problem.
Anthony Gordon starts a suspension after being red-carded against Liverpool for a terrible challenge on Virgil Van Dijk.
Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka remain sidelined for Leeds but Sean Longstaff should play against his boyhood club.
Predicted line-ups for Leeds v Newcastle
Leeds: Perri; Bogle, Rodon, Struijk, Gudmundsson; Longstaff, Stach, Gruev; James, Gnonto, Piroe
Newcastle: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento; Guimaraes, Miley, Ramsey; Elanga, Barnes, Osula
How to watch Leeds v Newcastle: TV and online streams
Leeds versus Newcastle kicks off at 5.30pm UK time tomorrow evening. It can be watched on Sky Sports Premier League and streamed via the Sky Go app.
Stats for Leeds v Newcastle
- In 13 of the last 15 Leeds matches in the Premier League, the total number of goals was over 2.5
- Leeds have lost 5 of the last 7 matches in the Premier League while scoring less than 1.5 goals
- In 5 of the last 6 Newcastle matches in the Premier League, the sum of goals was under 2.5
- In the last 3 Newcastle away matches in the Premier League, the sum of goals was under 2.5
Prediction for Leeds v Newcastle
Leeds are arguably weaker than they were at this time last season, particularly with Tanaka and Ampadu sidelined.
Newcastle are without several key players and it is a big ask of William Osula to lead the line in the absence of Gordon and Alexander Isak.
We’re not expecting a classic here, although it should be feisty.
Prediction: Leeds 0-0 Newcastle
