The third round of Premier League fixtures sees newly promoted Leeds United host Eddie Howe's Newcastle United side at Elland Road.
Leeds United began their campaign overcoming David Moyes' Everton side, in a 1-0 win thanks to a Lukas Nmecha penalty. Daniel Farke's side were by far the better side on the night and deserved to win the match by more goals.
However, on match week 2, Leeds United suffered a battering against Mikel Arteta's Arsenal side, losing the match 5-0.
For Newcastle, they began their campaign with a bore 0-0 draw against Aston Villa where both sides were poor. On match week 2, despite losing the match against Premier League Champions Liverpool - Newcastle looked fantastic despite being down to 10 men.
There is no doubt that sides have more joy playing at home, especially sides that generate an electric atmosphere. Leeds United have a fanbase that create an atmosphere at matches that can become intimidating for opposition players.
In the EFL Championship last season, Leeds United played 23 matches at home and only lost once, having the best home record in the league. In the 2023/24 EFL Championship season, Leeds United only lost twice at home in 23 matches and have started the Premier League campaign winning their only match at Elland Road.
It is evident that the Leeds United fanbase have created an atmosphere at Elland Road that opposition players can find challenging, and their home record over the last 3 seasons backs that up.
The Midfield Injury Woes
There is no denying that both Newcastle and Leeds United have a strong midfield when both are fully fit - but both sides are expected to miss key players in their midfield.
Leeds United will be without club captain Ethan Ampadu and tenacious midfielder Ao Tanaka, who was the official man of the match against Everton.
Newcastle United midfielders Sandro Tonali and Joelinton both were taken off against Liverpool with injuries. According to reports both players’ injuries aren't as bad as first feared, however Saturday's match may come too soon for the pair.
Leeds United have now got the choice, whether to start Joel Piroe who was top scorer in the EFL Championship - start with the Premier League experienced Dominic Calvert-Lewin, or new signing Lukas Nmecha who has scored Leeds only goal in the Premier League so far.
All 3 forwards bring qualities that can impact a game. So far, Joel Piroe has started both Premier League matches of the season and has had little to no joy in either of them.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has shown that he can score goals in the Premier League with his former side Everton. The English striker scored 16 Premier League goal in the 2020-21 season but has since failed to reach double figures. There is no denying that Calvert-Lewin has a lot of quality, but his injury record has certainly impacted his career. If Leeds United can manage to keep him fit, it will be a fantastic weapon for Daniel Farke to have at his disposal.
Lukas Nmecha scored the only goal of Leeds United campaign so far, with a calmly slotted penalty against Everton on match week 1. But, he has since failed to make any impact in his cameos against Arsenal and Sheffield Wednesday.
Joel Piroe is expected to start the match against Newcastle United on the weekend, with Nmecha and Calvert-Lewin providing options off the bench for Daniel Farke. But it is safe to say that if Joel Piroe continues to offer very little, Farke has the options available to him to change personnel.
With the likes of Fabian Schar being a doubt and Kieran Trippier expected to start against Leeds United, the pace of the Leeds United attackers could become vital in exploiting the Newcastle United defence.
Wilfried Gnonto had a decent game against Everton on the opening day but was non existent against Arsenal. Similarly, Daniel James offered very little against Arsenal and didn't offer enough against Everton. Both players can be frightening on the break running in behind the full backs, but must get themselves involved in the game.
New signing Noah Okafor played 84 minutes in a penalty shootout defeat to Sheffield Wednesday. The winger completed the most dribbles in the match and created a couple of chances for his teammates. Okafor offers the pace and dynamism that the current wingers for Leeds United do - but may offer more quality in the final third.
It's safe to say that the Whites now have the depth in the winger position to have different personnel for different matches. With the lack of final third quality that Daniel James has provided thus far - don't be surprised if there's a change on the wings. Pace and creativity from the wide areas will be vital against Newcastle and Leeds must get that correct.