Chris Sutton has delivered his prediction for Leeds United’s clash with Newcastle United after they were “thumped” by Arsenal in their last Premier League encounter.
Daniel Farke will be expecting a response from his Leeds side after a difficult week saw them produce two poor performances against Arsenal and Sheffield Wednesday.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin could come into contention for his first Premier League appearance for the club, but Noah Okafor will miss out after picking up an injury.
However, Newcastle will also be without several players after Eddie Howe’s side suffered a series of injuries and suspensions in the opening weeks of the season. Now, Sutton has explained why this could be decisive when the two sides meet at Elland Road.
Jaka Bijol during Leeds United v AC Milan - Pre-Season Friendly
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Chris Sutton makes Leeds United vs Newcastle prediction
Speaking to BBC Sport, Sutton echoed Gary Neville and Roy Keane’s prediction that Leeds will secure a draw against Newcastle in their third Premier League fixture.
According to Sutton, there should be an asterisk next to the result, given their current injuries and suspensions, as he backed Leeds to be a “different proposition” at Elland Road.
Sutton said: “Leeds lost 5-0 to Arsenal. They were thumped. Well beaten. But are they going to be a different proposition at Elland Road? They played with such great intensity in their opening game against Everton.
Leeds’ last 5 Premier League results vs Newcastle:
Leeds 2-2 Newcastle
Newcastle 0-0 Leeds
Leeds 0-1 Newcastle
Newcastle 1-1 Leeds
Newcastle 1-2 Leeds
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“There should be an asterisk for this one, really. If Tonali and Joelinton are fit, which I don’t think they will be, then Newcastle should win.”
Before concluding: “With Anthony Gordon also suspended, I’m going for a draw, purely based on the fact that Newcastle won’t have any players.”
Pundit Chris Sutton speaks prior to Leicester City v West Bromwich Albion - Premier League
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Fabian Schar will be a big miss for Newcastle
One player who will definitely miss the game for Newcastle is defender Fabian Schar, who is recovering from a concussion he picked up.
Schar has been crucial to Newcastle this season and leads the Magpies in several statistical categories according to FotMob.
The Swiss defender averages the most successful tackles per 90 minutes, with 1.6, the most interceptions, with 2.1 and the most blocks per 90 for Newcastle with 0.5. He has also made the second most clearances, with 5.3.
Having stacked his side with tall and physical players, Farke will be hoping that Leeds can make the most of his absence.