Newcastle United are aiming to secure three Premier League wins in a row for the first time this season at Leeds United’s expense.
There is optimism that Eddie Howe’s side are finally turning the corner, with Newcastle United beating Crystal Palace 2-0 after their gritty win over Burnley.
Next up for the Magpies is Leeds, as Daniel Farke’s team travel to Tyneside for the first time since December 2022.
Newcastle United are the favourites for Wednesday night’s game at St James’ Park, and pundit Chris Sutton is expecting a victory for the home side.
Our predicted XI for Newcastle United vs Leeds United – what would you do different?
We think Eddie Howe will make three changes 🔄️
Newcastle United predicted to beat Leeds
Newcastle United and Leeds drew 0-0 at Elland Road back in August, with the Magpies’ lack of a senior striker seriously hindering them.
That will not be the case at St James’ Park, with Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade battling to start. Their presence should give the Magpies an edge, and Chris Sutton has told BBC Sport that he expects Howe to pick up his third win on the spin.
“Newcastle not only got three points against Palace at the weekend, they kept their first clean sheet in the league since the start of October,” he said.
“Leeds have gone seven games unbeaten, including a deserved draw in the north-east against Sunderland, and they will be full of confidence.
“These two sides drew 0-0 at Elland Road in August but there will definitely be goals this time.
“I always back Newcastle at home, so why should I change now? The only thing I’m unsure about here is whether Leeds will score.
“I’m going to say they won’t, so stand by for Dominic Calvert-Lewin to find the net again, probably in stoppage time.”
Sutton’s prediction: Newcastle United 2 Leeds United 0.
Newcastle United’s record against Leeds is poor
While Newcastle are the favourites to beat Leeds on Wednesday night, they have not had too much joy in this fixture in recent years.
Since Leeds returned to the Premier League in 2020 under Marcelo Bielsa, Newcastle United have played against them seven times.
Where does Jonjo Shelvey’s free-kick at Leeds rank among your favourite goals of the PIF era?
Leeds did the double over Newcastle during the 2020/21 season, with Bielsa getting the better of Steve Bruce in front of zero fans.
The two sides have since played out four draws, with the last meeting at St James’ Park ending 0-0.
Newcastle United’s only win over Leeds during this period came at Elland Road in January 2022. Jonjo Shelvey scored the only goal of the game with a free-kick, in what is looked back upon as a season-defining victory as Howe guided the Magpies to safety after the PIF takeover.
Sign up to TalkingPoints for free to join the conversation about all things Newcastle United with Geordie Boot Boys!
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
