Premier League: Leeds Get Next Shot at Stopping Newcastle

Newcastle United vs Leeds United

Leeds United will have the next shot at stopping the hottest team in the Premier League at the moment – Newcastle United – as they meet on New Year’s Eve at St James’ Park.

The soaring Magpies are on a magical six-game winning streak in the Premier League that has seen them rise to third in the table.

As for the Whites, they will be looking to bounce back after losing 3-1 to defending champions Manchester City in midweek.

Talking Points

Newcastle looking unstoppable

Newcastle cannot be stopped right now. The Magpies have soared to third place on the back of a sensational six-game win streak. They have also extended their unbeaten run in the league to 11 games (8 wins, 3 draws).

They returned from the World Cup break with a convincing 3-0 win over Leicester City, who had also been in fantastic form before the break. The game was settled within just seven minutes as Chris Wood and Miguel Almiron struck early.

It will please Newcastle fans to see that Almiron has picked up right where he left off in producing Premier League 2022 highlights. The prolific Paraguayan has now scored eight goals in his last nine Premier League games.

Bruno Guimaraes has also emerged from the break looking back to his best. After a strong showing in the EFL Cup win over Bournemouth, the Brazilian again ran the show from midfield and supplied the assist for Almiron’s goal.

Meanwhile, Newcastle’s suddenly unbreachable defence continues to impress. They have now kept five clean sheets over their last seven games and have conceded just 11 goals in 16 games, the best defensive record in the Premier League.

Newcastle have not yet lost at St James’ Park this season, the only team other than leaders Arsenal who still haven’t lost at home. They have won five of eight games with three draws. They are currently on a four-game win streak at home, with 11 goals scored and just one conceded.

Leeds need key players back

Leeds United felt the full force of a returning Erling Haaland as they lost 3-1 to champions Manchester City in their first match after the break. As expected, the Whites were overwhelmed by the champions, who enjoyed 69 per cent possession and outshot the home side 26-9.

Leeds coach Jesse Marsch was without several players for the match, with striker Patrick Bamford and wingers Jack Harrison and Crysencio Summerville all missing out due to injury. Meanwhile, key midfielder Tyler Adams – one of Leeds’ bright stars at the World Cup – was suspended.

Captain Liam Cooper, Rodrigo and Mateusz Klich played despite being fitness doubts, but none of them were effective. Cooper committed a crucial error that led to one of City’s goals, while Rodrigo – who had scored five goals in the last four games before the break – was held without a shot.

Marsch fielded an unusual starting line-up against City, with young striker Sam Greenwood in midfield, Rodrigo on the wing and Brenden Aaronson as the centre-forward. That formation proved ineffective, but with a few players possibly returning – Tyler Adams will surely be back from suspension – Marsch is expected to return to a more conventional 4-2-3-1 against Newcastle.

Leeds’ away form this season has been quite poor. They have won just one of seven games away from Elland Road, with five defeats. Although, they defied the Premier League 2022 odds in their lone win, which came against Liverpool at Anfield.

History

Newcastle have had the upper hand over Leeds in the Premier League era. The Magpies have a 12-7 edge over the Whites in terms of wins, while there have been seven draws.

Leeds did the double over Newcastle in their first season back in the Premier League. But last season, Newcastle held Leeds to a 1-1 draw at St James Park before beating the Whites 1-0 at Elland Road through a Jonjo Shelvey goal.

Betting Tip

SBOTOP odds have Newcastle installed as 1.43 favourites to extend their win streak to seven games. Leeds are priced at 6.20 while a draw is 4.70.

This will obviously be a tough match for Leeds. Aside from Newcastle being in brilliant form, the fact that they will have such a quick turnaround from their previous match will do them no favours. 

But with some key players possibly returning, coupled with the fact that Leeds have been more feisty away from home in recent games, don’t discount the Whites’ ability to make things more competitive than expected against Newcastle.

 

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