Verdict delivered on the Premier League clash at St James' Park
James Smailes
09:00, 07 Jan 2026
Tino Livramento of Newcastle United runs with the ball while under pressure from Jayden Bogle of Leeds United
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Tino Livramento of Newcastle United runs with the ball while under pressure from Jayden Bogle of Leeds United(Image: Getty Images)
Leeds United face a tough challenge as they put their unbeaten run on the line at Newcastle United this evening. St James' Park is always a tough place to go and will certainly be so after successive victories got the Magpies back on track for their hunt for a European place once again.
Newcastle start the game as favourites, but given their recent results against the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United, few will be writing off Daniel Farke's team.
We've compiled some of the pundit previews to see what the 'experts' in Chris Sutton, Paul Merson and Harry Redknapp have to say on this evening's big game.
Chris Sutton prediction to BBC Sport
Newcastle not only got three points against Palace at the weekend, they kept their first clean sheet in the league since the start of October.
Leeds have gone seven games unbeaten, including a deserved draw in the north-east against Sunderland, and they will be full of confidence. These two sides drew 0-0 at Elland Road in August but there will definitely be goals this time.
I always back Newcastle at home, so why should I change now? The only thing I'm unsure about here is whether Leeds will score.
I'm going to say they won't, so stand by for Dominic Calvert-Lewin to find the net again, probably in stoppage time.
Prediction: Newcastle United 2-0 Leeds United
Paul Merson, speaking to Sportskeeda
“Leeds are doing really well. They’re nicking points in difficult games when West Ham are failing to win easier matches. It’s a huge boost to Leeds’ aspirations of avoiding relegation.
“Newcastle weren’t great the other day. Even though they won 2-0 against Crystal Palace, I wasn’t really impressed by the performance. I was surprised that Nick Woltemade did not come off the bench quicker in that game. Newcastle were up against a back three and he would have been useful from the start.
“Considering the way both teams are playing, I wouldn’t be surprised if Leeds got something out of this game. I’m going for an entertaining draw here.”
Prediction: Newcastle United 2-2 Leeds United
Harry Redknapp told football betting site
"That’s now two wins in a row for Newcastle and I know Eddie won’t be happy with the season so far, but they’re still well in the hunt for those Champions League places. They remain a very hard team to beat at home.
"It’s been such a great few weeks for Leeds, every credit to Daniel Farke. I’ll be honest, it looked like he might be in a bit of trouble but he’s tweaked the system and it’s clearly working. That being said, I’m going for the home win.
One to watch - Bruno’s such an important player for Newcastle. When he plays well and dictates the game, Newcastle usually win.
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Prediction: Newcastle United 2-1 Leeds United