Paul Merson believes Newcastle United have a major issue ahead of facing Leeds United this weekend.
The Magpies are yet to win in the Premier League this season, but have produced two excellent performances.
Newcastle played well against Aston Villa and drew. Then Eddie Howe’s side lost to Liverpool but were the better team, even with 10 men.
Anthony Gordon’s red card means he will be suspended for Saturday’s game against Leeds, while Howe also has injury issues to deal with.
That is why Gary Neville predicted a draw between Leeds and Newcastle. Paul Merson agrees, with the former Arsenal star not backing the Magpies to pick up all three points at Elland Road.
Bruno Guimaraes is challenged for the ball during Leeds United vs Newcastle United.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Paul Merson backs a draw for Leeds United vs Newcastle United
As part of his Premier League predictions for Sportskeeda, Merson has given his verdict on the result of Saturday’s game between Leeds United and Newcastle United.
Given the players that will be missing for Newcastle, Merson thinks this fixture has come at the perfect time for Daniel Farke’s side. However, it is not so perfect that he is backing them to win.
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“Newcastle were outstanding the other day against Liverpool,” he said.
“But they got no points to show for that brilliant performance, which will be quite hard to take for the players. The bigger problem here is that they could be without Joelinton and Sandro Tonali, who both limped off with injuries in that loss to Liverpool. Alexander Isak is obviously missing and to make matters worse, his deputy at centre-forward Anthony Gordon is suspended!
“If Newcastle had all of them players fit and available, they would easily win this game. William Osula came on and scored against Liverpool but I still don’t think he’s ready to start week in, week out in the Premier League.
“This is the perfect time for Leeds to take on Newcastle and they should try to make the most of it. Leeds will be disappointed about losing to Sheffield Wednesday in the Carabao Cup, that is a game they should have won. I expect a better result this weekend.”
Merson’s prediction: Leeds United 1 Newcastle United 1.
The last time Newcastle United beat Leeds United away from home
Since becoming Newcastle United manager, Howe has faced Leeds three times.
Two of those games have been at Elland Road, which was the scene of Howe’s only victory over Leeds as Toon boss.
It was actually one of his most important wins ever, with Newcastle beating Leeds 1-0 in January 2022 thanks to a Jonjo Shelvey free-kick. Those three points were pivotal that season, as the Magpies went on to dramatically avoid relegation following the PIF takeover.
Before that, the last time Newcastle won at Elland Road was November 2016. That was in the Championship, with Rafa Benitez’s side victorious thanks to a Dwight Gayle brace.
The last time Newcastle faced Leeds away from home was May 2023. That game ended in a 2-2 draw, with Callum Wilson scoring both goals.