Newcastle United head to Elland Road to take on Leeds in the third game of the Premier League season, with both sides hoping to secure a victory that could kickstart their campaign.
Leeds United got off to the perfect start on their return to the Premier League as they defeated Everton 1-0 in their opening game. However, they were then quickly brought back down to earth by a thumping 5-0 defeat in their clash against Arsenal.
Meanwhile, their visitors are yet to experience victory in the Premier League this season, as the Magpies were held to a 0-0 draw by Aston Villa before an injury time winner saw them fall to a dramatic 3-2 defeat against Liverpool.
This game is poised to be a tense affair, as both sides will be desperate to return to winning ways and get their season up and running.
Team News
Leeds United
After the optimism of a return to the top flight was enhanced by a 1-0 victory over Everton, Leeds United suffered a chastening reality check as a 5-0 defeat to Arsenal showed how tough their Premier League season could be.
That loss was followed by a shock Carabao Cup exit after a penalty shootout defeat following a disappointing 1-1 draw against Yorkshire rivals Sheffield Wednesday, who were forced to field a depleted and inexperienced side with limited experience.
These results suggest that Daniel Farke may look to change his side in a bid to revitalise his team. He will have a strong squad to call upon, although he will still be without Ethan Ampadu, while Japanese midfielder Ao Tanaka was substituted off with an injury against Arsenal and may be set to miss out.
Newcastle United
Newcastle’s unsuccessful effort to snatch a result from the Liverpool game has left them with a long absentee list which will leave manager Eddie Howe with a selection crisis.
Anthony Gordon will be suspended after his red card in that affair, while Fabian Schar is set to miss out after he was forced off with a concussion. Further, the crucial pairing of Sandro Tonali and Joelinton both left the field injured in that game and appear to be set to miss out in this game, meaning the midfield will have to be overhauled.
This adds to the selection woes that the Newcastle manager was already suffering, with Alexander Isak still refusing to play for the Magpies as he seeks a transfer to Liverpool. With question marks over who will start up front, Howe’s decision in that department may be critical if his side are to emerge victorious.
Likely Lineups
Leeds United
Perri; Gudmundsson, Struijk, Rodon, Bogle; Stach, Gruev, Longstaff; Gnonto, Nmecha, James
Newcastle United
Pope; Livramento, Burn, Thiaw, Tripper; Ramsey, Guimaraes, Miley; Barnes, Osula, Elanga
Key Players
Leeds United: Lukas Nmecha
As they look to break the streak of newly promoted sides suffering an immediate return to the Championship, Leeds know that scoring goals will be crucial in their endeavour, and they will be hoping that Lukas Nmecha can fire them to safety.
A product of the Manchester City youth academy, the German forward arrived at Elland Road over the summer after his contract expired at Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg. He hit the ground running on his Premier League debut, as he cooly slotted home the winner from the penalty spot to hand his team the victory.
He was handed his full debut in the midweek tie against Sheffield Wednesday. However, he failed to impress and was substituted before the hour mark. Despite this, he may be offered another opportunity in this clash, and if he can take it, then his performance will be critical to determining Leeds’ fate in this fixture.
Newcastle United: Anthony Elanga
If Newcastle are going to offer an attacking threat to Leeds’ backline with Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak absent, then Anthony Elanga appears set to play a crucial role.
The Sweden international enjoyed a superb Premier League campaign for Nottingham Forest last season, notching 6 goals and collecting 11 assists as he fired the Reds into European football.
However, he is yet to get off the mark at St James’ Park, and with Isak and Gordon out, the pressure will be on him to breach the opposition defence and get his career in a Magpies’ shirt up and running.
Match Details
Where is the game being played?
This clash will take place at Elland Road, the home of Leeds United.
What time is kick-off?
The game will take place at 17:30pm BST on Saturday 30th August.
How can I watch?
This match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.