Newcastle United vs Leeds United Preview: Team News, Tactical Overview & Prediction

Newcastle United: Aiming for Glory Against Leeds United

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Newcastle United began a thrilling run of four consecutive home games with a solid 2-0 victory against Crystal Palace on Sunday. Six points from the last two matches have propelled the Magpies up to ninth in the Premier League, just two points behind fifth-placed Chelsea.

With another win against Leeds, Newcastle could climb as high as fifth in the table. Exciting times ahead, right?

Read our full match report and reaction.

Match Details

• Fixture: Newcastle United vs Leeds United

• Competition: Premier League

• Date: Wednesday 7 January 2026

• Kick-off: 8.15 GMT

• Venue: St James’ Park

• TV coverage: Live on Sky

• Referee: Michael Salisbury

  
  

Newcastle United Team News & Predicted Line-Up

Eddie Howe has some good news. Tino Livramento, Sven Botman, and Kieran Trippier are all available. Jacob Murphy has received the all-clear after a hamstring scan. However, Anthony Elanga, Will Osula, Dan Burn, Emile Krafth, and Jammal Lascelles are sidelined due to injuries.

With Nick Woltemade expected to replace Yoane Wissa, Harvey Barnes stepping in for Murphy, and Tino Livramento returning to right back, Botman could also start. Lewis Miley is likely to take a midfield spot. Here’s what Newcastle's starting eleven might look like:

Newcastle United Predicted Line Up:

Pope - Livramento, Thiaw, Botman, Hall - Miley, Bruno, Joelinton - Barnes, Woltemade, Gordon.

Speaking ahead of the game, Eddie Howe discussed injuries, form, and speculation in his pre-match press conference.

Leeds United: Team News & Predicted Line Up

Leeds will be without winger Daniel James due to injury. However, former Newcastle midfielder Sean Longstaff has returned from injury and was on the bench against Manchester United.

Leeds United Predicted Line Up:

Lucas Perri - Seb Bornauw, Jaka Bijol, Pascal Struijk - James Justin, Anton Stach, Ilia Gruev, Gabriel Gudmundsson, Brenden Aaronson - Calvert-Lewin, Noah Okafor.

Tactical Overview

Under pressure for results earlier in the season, Daniel Farke switched Leeds United to a 3-5-2 system. This change has sparked a seven-game unbeaten run.

That sequence includes victories over Chelsea and Crystal Palace, along with draws against Liverpool, Sunderland, and Manchester United. Remarkably, Leeds have conceded more than one goal only once during this period.

The 3-5-2 formation has made Leeds more compact and difficult to break down. Yet, they still pose a threat at the top end of the pitch, especially with Dominic Calvert-Lewin fit and scoring.

The key battleground will be midfield. Leeds’ system creates a numerical advantage there. To counter this, Newcastle United must push their full-backs high and wide, press aggressively down the flanks, and stretch Leeds' back three.

Leeds play with high tempo and physical intensity. They will arrive at St James’ Park full of confidence. For Newcastle, this match demands energy and an aggressive edge to win battles across the pitch and control possession.

If Newcastle scores first, they need to replicate their strategy against Crystal Palace—keep attacking and not go on the defensive, avoiding ceding possession to Leeds.

Match Prediction

Both teams come into this game with confidence from recent results. Newcastle United has back-to-back wins, while Leeds United is on a seven-game unbeaten streak.

However, Leeds have only won twice during that stretch and just once in their last five matches. Their strength lies in being difficult to break down, suggesting a tight contest rather than a high-scoring affair for Newcastle.

Despite victories over Burnley and Crystal Palace, Newcastle has shown lapses in focus and surrendered possession too easily at times. Any repeat of that could be punished by a Leeds side quick to exploit weaknesses.

This match feels like a physical, hard-fought battle where midfield control will be crucial. Joelinton could be key, while Sandro Tonali must be at his best if selected to win the midfield battle.

A win for Newcastle, depending on other results, could elevate the Magpies to fifth in the Premier League table.

Prediction: Newcastle United 2–1 Leeds United.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead

As we look forward to the match, it’s clear that both teams have something to prove. Newcastle United is eager to build on their recent successes, while Leeds United aims to maintain their unbeaten run.

In the end, it’s all about passion and determination on the pitch. I can't wait to see how it unfolds!

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