In the Premier League, Leeds United take on Newcastle United at Elland Road on Saturday. Currently in 19th place, Leeds have encountered many challenges this season and rcently suffered a 2-1 defeat against Manchester City last week. They will be looking to make a statement in the upcoming match and try their best to avoid relegation.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United have been performing better most than expected this season as they remain third in the league. Although they lost 2-0 to Arsenal in their last match, they will be determined to prove themselves this time around.
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Leeds United-Newcastle United match preview
Elland Road will host an important Premier League game involving two teams that are in contrasting league positions. Leeds United, in danger of being relegated, face Newcastle United, who are aiming to finish in the top four. Leeds have won just one of their previous five home league games. Newcastle, on the other hand, have won four out of their last five away games.
Leeds recently lost their 19th game of the season, and with Everton and Nottingham Forest’s recent wins, have fallen to 19th place in the table. They are now two points behind the safety line, with three games left to play. But they have won all four of their Premier League matches when starting a gameweek in the bottom three this season.
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Leeds United will play two games in a row against former teams of their manager Sam Allardyce: Newcastle United and West Ham United. Leeds drew with both teams in their previous encounters earlier this season, including a goalless draw at St James’ Park in December.
Leeds need a win this weekend to improve their chances of avoiding relegation, and Sam Allardyce may be the key to securing three points. Allardyce has won 13 Premier League games against Newcastle United, more than any other team in his managerial career.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United had been on a great run of form in the EPL, winning their last three games and scoring 13 goals in total. However, in their most recent match, they lost 2-0 at home to Arsenal.
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Despite this setback, they are still in a good position to secure a top-four spot. They currently sit third in the table. They are three points ahead of fifth-placed Liverpool with a game in hand. However, Liverpool’s recent show of strength has put pressure on Newcastle United and fourth-placed Manchester United.
Even though Newcastle United still have the best defensive record in the league this season, having only conceded 29 goals in 34 games, their defense has weakened recently. They have kept only one clean sheet in their last 14 league games.
Newcastle United has conceded needless goals in their last seven away games. Despite this, manager Eddie Howe would be pleased with their recent form. A win against Leeds on Saturday at Elland Road, where they won 1-0 last season, would give Newcastle a boost of confidence before their home games against Brighton & Hove Albion and Leicester City next week.
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Head-to-head
The two teams have played 99 matches against each other with Newcastle United having won 40. Leeds United have 39 wins to their name, while 20 matches have ended in draws.
Leeds United possible starting lineup:
Robles; Ayling, Kristensen, Wober, Firpo; Roca, McKennie, Forshaw; Harrison, Rodrigo, Gnonto
Newcastle United possible starting lineup:
Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Willock, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Murphy, Isak, Almiron
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Leeds United-Newcastle United prediction
With an impressive lineup, Newcastle United will look to secure their place in the Premier League’s top four. Players such as Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes can play a major role in the match and will need to perform well.
Leeds United have had a tough season and cannot afford to falter again. Although Newcastle are the superior team, Leeds will do all they can to step up their game and avoid another disappointing result. That said, the prediction is that Newcastle will come out on top despite playing away.
Prediction: Leeds United 0-1 Newcastle United
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Date, kick-off time, venue
The English Premier League match between Leeds United and Newcastle United will be played at Elland Road in Leeds on Saturday at 5 pm IST and 12:30 pm BST.