Newcastle United are set to end an incredible 2022 with a Premier League tie against Leeds underneath the lights at St James’ Park.
The Magpies welcome Jesse Marsch’s side to Tyneside on New Year’s Eve, with both sides competing at opposite ends of the table.
Leeds’ defeat to Manchester City on Wednesday night had an impact on both clubs. It moved Newcastle back down to third, while it leaves Leeds just two points above the relegation zone.
The atmosphere inside St James’ Park should be electric when Leeds arrive, and this is our predicted Newcastle lineup to face the Yorkshire side
Newcastle go in search of another clean sheet
The Magpies have played two games since the World Cup break ended, and have kept back-to-back clean sheets.
In fact, Newcastle have now not conceded in their past four games, with Southampton the last team to find a way past Nick Pope.
Howe will hope for yet another clean sheet against Leeds, and will stick with his trusty back five for the final game of the year.
Still no room in the Newcastle lineup for ASM
With Newcastle’s midfield three thriving and Joelinton excelling on the left of attack, there is still no room for Allan Saint-Maximin in the starting XI.
That will disappoint the Frenchman, who must be desperate to start a Premier League game.
He only played the last 10 minutes against Leicester on Boxing Day, and will hope to feature for longer when the Magpies face Leeds. That should be the case, as Howe possibly looks to rest players ahead of the midweek clash with Arsenal.
Wood to face his former club Leeds
Speaking of the game with Arsenal, that could impact Howe’s decision on who plays up front against Leeds.
Chris Wood started against Leicester, coming in for Callum Wilson who was out with illness. It was previously claimed that the number nine will be fit to face Leeds, but fresh doubts have emerged after Wilson was missing from Thursday’s training photos.
Regardless, we expect him to start on the bench.
Wood was excellent at the King Power, and got his goal from the penalty spot. Therefore, we expect Howe to stick with the £25million man, who will be coming up against his former club Leeds.
Hopefully Wood can build on his performance on Boxing Day, while it gives Wilson some extra time to be fully ready for Newcastle’s first game of 2023 – a trip to the Emirates to face Arsenal.
Predicted XI to face Leeds: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Longstaff, Bruno, Willock; Almiron, Wood, Joelinton.
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