Leeds v Newcastle: Preview, Team News & Prediction

Newcastle travel to Elland Road for a Sky televised 8pm KO tomorrow night.

Both Teams Off To An Unbeaten Start

Like Newcastle, Leeds have won one and drawn two of their opening three games but there the comparison ends.

Newcastle have scored exactly twice as many goals as Leeds but conceded exactly double.

That points to a tight game where Leeds may struggle to score and Newcastle may struggle to keep a clean sheet.

The bookies are making Leeds slight favourites at 7/5 with Newcastle 21/10 and the draw 13/5.

Both teams have the chance to go third in the table if they win so although it's too early in the season to be handing out prizes it's still a good place to be after four games.

This game will be a real test of the progress Jaissle has made in training on closing down the wide open spaces we have been conceding in midfield with Leeds 352 set up on paper meaning they have the system to exploit us.

Leeds are also a very physical side and any battles aren't going to be won by the Toon with brawn, but with skill and tactical organisation.

And, with very few shots on target in the games we've played to date, averaging two goals a game in the PL is unlikely to continue unless the Lads find their shooting boots.

My view is that we are still vulnerable to a heavy defeat even though we are as yet unbeaten in the PL and Cup this season.

I'm not expecting a heavy defeat tomorrow night but I am looking to see strong signs that our ability to defend as a team is showing a big improvement.

Team News

Dedic should be fit so MJ has to choose between him and Tino and the only other possible change could be whether Pardo starts and, if he does, who plays at 10 - Wissa or Willock.

Leeds only have Joee Rodon definitely out so they will be at almost full strength.

Prediction

The Lads showed plenty of fight to come back from 2-0 down against Bournmeouth but my feeling was that it was only Barnes quick goal after they went two ahead that stopped the game being a walkover for the Cherries.

Barnes's goal was out of the blue, and a corker, but before that Bournemouth were totally dictating the tempo of the game and dominating possession.

I keep repeating on the blog that PL managers and teams quickly identify and exploit weaknesses in the oppo and that was all too evident last Saturday as Bournemouth played a high line. packed our half with players and pressed our defenders non stop.

That resulted in misplaced passes and long hoofs aplenty by Newcastle and as a team we were not functioning and were looking increasingly bewildered.

Barnes goal changed that, and there was a big improvement in the second half, but the West Brom game, even with a strong team named, showed that we remain shot shy and a long way from solid in defence.

So, nothing would surprise me as the result of tomorrows's game.

Not a 3-0 either way, or a tight chance wasted 0-0 draw.

I never bet against the Toon losing so my usual fiver is going on a 2-1 win.

If Pardo does start, and he is near full fitness, I think that could be a deciding factor on how this match plays out.

CLICK HERE to get your Bingo entry in.

Last Post: Pardo Gets The Bingo Nod

All Posts