MY ACCOUNT
– Leeds have only lost one of their last six meetings with Newcastle
– Newcastle were beaten 3-0 away at Aston Villa less than a month ago
– Recommended bet: Double Chance – Leeds or Tie
Time is fast running out if Leeds are to avoid relegation from the Premier League, and Sam Allardyce’s side will face a stern test of their credentials when Champions League-chasing Newcastle visit Elland Road this Saturday lunchtime.
A run of just one point from their last six games has seen the Whites slip into the relegation zone and two points adrift of safety, although there were reasons to be hopeful following last weekend’s narrow 2-1 defeat away to league leaders Manchester City.
That loss at the Etihad Stadium came in new head coach Sam Allardyce’s first match in charge, and the experienced tactician will now be looking to pick up a result against one of his former clubs this weekend.
Newcastle will head into the contest sitting third in the standings, and they can further cement their place in the top four with a victory as they look to bounce back from last week’s home defeat to Arsenal.
Team news
Leeds have no fresh injury concerns to report, although Liam Cooper (muscle), Luis Sinisterra (ankle), Stuart Dallas (leg) and Tyler Adams (hamstring) all remain on the treatment table.
Allardyce has confirmed midfielder Adams will miss the rest of the season alongside Sinisterra and Dallas, but captain Cooper does have a chance of returning before the campaign concludes.
Newcastle are likely to have midfielder Joelinton available, as he has reportedly shaken off the knock he picked up against Arsenal, while Sean Longstaff, who missed that game with a foot issue, has an outside chance of returning.
The stats
Leeds have been much stronger on home soil than away from home this season, with 21 of their 30 points to date coming at Elland Road.
One of those rare points on the road for the Whites did come in the goalless draw with Newcastle at St James’ Park on New Year’s Eve, a result that means they have now only lost one of their last six matches against the Magpies.
Newcastle have won four of their last five on the road, but that sole defeat was a comprehensive 3-0 loss at Aston Villa less than a month ago.
Eddie Howe’s side have also failed to score in four of their last nine league matches away from home.
Prediction
At first glance, this would appear a comfortable win for Newcastle, but Leeds are in desperate need of the points, and Allardyce will undoubtedly have his side set up to frustrate the visitors.
Leeds were certainly a lot more compact and resilient against City last weekend, and, despite recent heavy home defeats to Liverpool and Crystal Palace, they have only lost three of their previous 10 matches across all competitions at Elland Road.
Newcastle were poor when losing at Villa in April, and they have also failed to win on the road at the likes of Palace and Bournemouth since the turn of the year.
Given the positions of the two sides in the standings, it would be difficult to go all out for the home win, but Leeds do represent good value in the Double Chance market, and even a point could prove hugely significant in the battle to survive.
Back Double Chance – Leeds or Tie at 5/4 with LiveScore Bet.
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