Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 17/15

Bookmaker: BetUS

Leeds return to Elland Road aiming to bounce back from their EFL Cup disappointment, and Saturday’s clash offers a tough test against a Newcastle side looking to build momentum of their own.

This marks the clubs’ first Premier League meeting since their lively 2-2 draw in May 2023, when the Magpies’ European push was checked in West Yorkshire.

Leeds United

After marking their Premier League return with a 1-0 triumph over Everton in front of a buoyant Elland Road crowd, last season’s Championship winners Leeds have since endured a downturn in fortunes, suffering defeats in each of their last two matches.

The Whites were handed a harsh reality check last weekend when they slumped to a heavy 5-0 defeat at Arsenal, before bowing out of the EFL Cup in midweek against local rivals Sheffield Wednesday. Despite fielding a youthful side, the Owls forced a 1-1 draw before triumphing 3-0 in the penalty shootout at Hillsborough.

Daniel Farke admitted to feeling “hurt” and “embarrassed” by the cup exit, lamenting his side’s lack of ruthlessness after they managed only one goal from 25 attempts in normal time. Determined to respond, Leeds return to the comforts of Elland Road, where they remain unbeaten in 21 successive league outings (W18, D3) under Farke – equalling their longest such run under his tenure. Their last superior unbeaten home streak in the top two tiers came between May 1991 and November 1992, spanning 31 matches.

Leeds also have reason for optimism from their head-to-head record, as they have lost only one of their last six Premier League meetings with Newcastle (W2, D3). Their sole defeat was a 1-0 loss at Elland Road in January 2022. Notably, Newcastle are one of just two top-flight opponents that Farke has faced more than once without losing (W1, D1), the other being Bournemouth (W1, D1). The Cherries, then managed by current Magpies boss Eddie Howe, also contribute to Farke’s list of managers he has met twice without defeat, alongside Steve Bruce.

Team News

Leeds’ midfield ranks will be stretched on Saturday, with Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka sidelined by knee injuries until after the international break. Summer signing Noah Okafor is also a doubt after sustaining a groin problem on Wednesday, and he will be assessed before kickoff.

In the absence of Ampadu and Tanaka, Sean Longstaff could make his first league start for the club following his summer switch from boyhood side Newcastle. Anton Stach – creator of more chances (seven) than any other Premier League player so far this campaign – may partner him in midfield alongside Ilia Gruev.

Meanwhile, striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who played half an hour and missed a penalty in the shootout defeat to Wednesday, could be in contention for his full debut. However, Farke might instead turn to Joel Piroe or Lukas Nmecha to lead the line.

Newcastle United

Having been held to a goalless draw against Aston Villa on the opening weekend, despite enjoying a man advantage, Newcastle seemed destined for another single point in their high-profile clash with reigning champions Liverpool on Monday night.

At a raucous St James’ Park, with Liverpool still chasing unsettled Magpies forward Alexander Isak, Eddie Howe’s men had Anthony Gordon dismissed in first-half stoppage time and quickly fell two goals behind within 20 seconds of the restart. However, they fought back with resilience to level the score, only for 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha to net a 100th-minute winner for the visitors.

Reflecting on what he described as a “bruising game” packed with “so many different emotions,” Howe praised his team’s display and will hope they carry the same spirit into Saturday’s match as they aim to prevent a three-game winless streak in the Premier League.

Currently on course to strengthen their attacking line with the signing of Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart, Newcastle take confidence from their strong record at Elland Road, where they have triumphed in half of their 14 Premier League visits (seven wins) – their best away success rate against any side faced at least 10 times.

The Magpies also boast a run of eight consecutive league victories over newly promoted sides, scoring three or more in seven of those games. Only once before, between December 1994 and October 1996, have they achieved a longer streak (nine).

Team News

Isak remains sidelined, while Gordon begins a three-match suspension following his red card against Liverpool. Joelinton is also ruled out with a groin problem, and Sandro Tonali (shoulder) is racing to be fit, though Fabian Schar has been cleared to feature after completing concussion protocols.

Meanwhile, summer recruits Malick Thiaw and Jacob Ramsey could make full debuts in defence and midfield respectively, and Will Osula is vying for a starting role in place of Gordon after coming off the bench to snatch a late equalizer on Monday.

Conclusion

Leeds will once again rely on the backing of their Elland Road crowd and aim to capitalise on Newcastle’s possible absentees in key positions.

Even so, the Magpies retain enough depth to put out a formidable side, one that may ultimately possess the extra quality needed to edge past the Whites.

Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 17/15

Bookmaker: BetUS