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Leeds dropped into the relegation zone last weekend after expectedly losing 2-1 on their visit to the league leaders Man City. Newcastle also suffered a rare home defeat on the Bank Holiday weekend, going down 2-0 against Arsenal. With so much at stake for both teams this weekend’s clash between Leeds and Newcastle promises to be a tense battle.
With all that in mind, we bring you our preview of Saturday’s big match as well as our predictions for Matchday 35 in the Premier League.
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Leeds vs Newcastle: Match Preview
Leeds are now 2pts away from safety after losing 2-1 against Man City and earning just a single point from their last six Premier League games (D1 L5). The first game in charge for Sam Allardyce provided some positive as Leeds avoided humiliation and certainly looked much more organised defensively.
Leeds continue to struggle defensively and this is the main reason why they are in such trouble. Leeds have the highest percentage of BTTS outcomes in the entire Premier League with 23 of their 35 games so far seeing both teams score. The Whites failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their last 11 PL games, and at the same time, they have scored in each of their last tem outings.
Newcastle missed a golden opportunity to cement their top-four position when losing 2-0 at home vs Arsenal. The display was not all bad but ultimately the better team won.
The Magpies still control their own destiny as they can afford another mistake or two as they have games in had on their rivals. However, the Magpies need the points as Liverpool are making a late push towards the Champions League spots. Newcastle have every reason to feel confident heading into this match as so far this season, they are unbeaten in ten away games against sides placed 9th or worse in teh table (W7 D3).
The last meeting between the two
The last meeting between the two was on New Year’s Eve when the teams registered a 0-0 draw in Newcastle. That game was cagey with Leeds doing well to keep a rare clean sheet and earn a deserved point. Newcastle struggled to create clear scoring chances on that occasion.
The Form Guide: Leeds vs Newcastle
Leeds
Leeds earned a single point from their last 6 (D1 L5). Defensively things remain awful. However, the appointment of Big Sam in charge for the last 4 games of the season is expected to improve things at the back. Allardyce’s debut last weekend saw Leeds do a respectful job and lost only 2-1 on their visit to the champions-elect Man City.
Leeds tend to struggle to defy the odds this season though. The hosts have won just once when being the outsiders at home this season (W1 D2 L4).
Form guide: LLDLL
Newcastle
Newcastle’s run of eight wins in ten gives them great confidence. The Magpies remain in control of their own destiny in regards to securing a top-four finish despite losing 2-0 at home to Arsenal last weekend. Newcastle won four of their last five away games in the PL and they have scored 2-goals or more in all of those four away wins.
Newcastle know the game will be tough though as despite not losing any of their last three PL clashes vs Leeds the Magpies were held to draws in two of those games.
Form guide: LWWWL
Team News for Saturday’s clash between Leeds and Newcastle
Leeds
Leeds will be without four players for the coming match. The important centre-back, Liam Cooper, experienced wide man Stuart Dallas, anchor-man Tyler Adams and rarely used anyway Luis Sinisterra nurse injuries.
In his first game in charge, Sam Allardyce dropped goalkeeper Meslier to the bench and trusted veteran Robles on goal. This could happen again now. Big Sam also hints at further tactical changes for what will be his first home game in charge.
Newcastle
Newcastle have to wait and see if Sean Longstaff could play some part. He’s been missing lately but has resumed training this week. Bad news emerged for captain Jamal Lascelles as he has been ruled out for the season. The important centre-back will be bitterly missed. Full-back Krafth is also a long-term absentee.
Joelinton has shrugged off a knock and will be available. Returning from injury winger Saint-Maximin might not be ready just yet to start. He’s expected to play some minutes though.
- We predict a 1-1 draw with Rodrigo scoring for Leeds.
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