Date and Time: 22nd January 2022 @8:30 PM IST
Venue: Elland Road
Leeds United vs Newcastle United Where to watch?
India: Star Sports Network and Disney+Hotstar
Leeds United vs Newcastle United Team News:
Leeds United:
Despite the victory against West Ham, Leeds was hit by two injuries in the first half. Junior Firpo and Adam Forshaw were both forced off with thigh difficulties, and although the latter described the ailment as “minor,” he will miss the remainder of the season. Diego Llorente will return from suspension to reinforce the Whites’ defence, with Tyler Roberts and Joe Gelhardt possibly potentially playing. Patrick Bamford, Kalvin Phillips, Liam Cooper, Jamie Shackleton, and Charlie Cresswell, on the other hand, will stay on the sidelines due to suspension.
In the event of Llorente’s return to the defence, Stuart Dallas might be deployed on the left flank to cover for the injured Firpo, while Luke Ayling could be deployed on the right flank and Daniel James could find himself in a precarious position up top due to Rodrigo’s danger.
Newcastle United:
To the benefit of Howe’s defensive options, Javier Manquillo has returned from suspension to enhance his defensive options, while centre-backs Ciaran Clark (COVID-19) and Federico Fernandez (thigh) are both out for the time being. Callum Wilson will be out for at least another six weeks as Wood prepares to lead the assault once again, while Isaac Hayden will be out until March with a knee injury he sustained last season.
After returning to training after COVID-19 infection, Dwight Gayle and Jeff Hendrick are both considered viable alternatives for the weekend; however, Matt Ritchie’s knee injury will need to be evaluated. Jamal Lewis might be in contention to replace Paul Dummett on the left-hand side, but Howe is expected to stay with the same starting lineup that was used in the Watford draw. He could make an impact in the Leeds United vs Newcastle United game though.
Leeds United vs Newcastle United Probable Playing XI:
Leeds United possible starting lineup:
Meslier; Luke Ayling, Llorente, Struijk, Dallas; Robin Koch; Raphinha, Bate, Klich, Harrison; Rodrigo
Newcastle United possible starting lineup:
Dubravka; Kieran Trippier, Lascelles, Schar, Lewis; Longstaff, Shelvey, Joelinton; Ryan Fraser, Chris Wood, Allan Saint-Maximin
Leeds United vs Newcastle United Betting Predictions:
Match Betting: Leeds United win (1.90)
Draw (3.75)
Newcastle United win (3.80)
The One-Liner Explainer:
Although they are currently occupying the bottom half of the table, Leeds has shown to be a difficult nut to crack at Elland Road in recent weeks and does not need a second invitation to target this porous Magpies defence. Newcastle is experiencing frustration after frustration at this stage. The Magpies will not give up and accept a loss on Saturday, but a first away victory of the season should continue to elude the Magpies for the foreseeable future.
