Leeds United vs. Newcastle United Preview:
Possible starting lineups:
Leeds United:
Robles; Ayling, Kristensen, Wober, Firpo; Roca, McKennie, Forshaw; Harrison, Rodrigo, Gnonto
Newcastle United:
Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Willock, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Murphy, Isak, Almiron
Relegation-threatened Leeds United welcome Newcastle United to Elland Road on Saturday lunchtime. The Whites are in very complicated situation as they are second from the bottom, but just two points from the safety. But something else could be a bigger problem - Leeds have lost five of their last six league games. Leeds have collected just one point in the process, an 1:1 draw with Leicester City. Some of the defeats were high and painful, like a 5:1 loss to Crystal Palace, a 6:1 loss to Liverpool and 4:1 loss to Bournemouth. What is worse, the defeats impacted the players confidence. But not everything is dark for Leeds, their opponents also played poor, so the Whites remain two points clear of the relegation zone. New manager Sam Allardyce, who replaced Gracia, has four players sidelined through injuries - Luis Sinisterra (ankle), Tyler Adams (hamstring), Stuart Dallas (leg) and Liam Cooper (muscle). Some changes from the last match are possible, with Rodrigo pushing for starting place in attack at the expense of Patrick Bamford.
Newcastle United have an opportunity to finish third or fourth on the table which means Champions League football for the next season. Everything remains in their own hands as Howe's men currently sit third in the Premier League table and three points clear of fifth-placed Liverpool with a game in hand. The Magpies are in good form in the last period, with three victories and just one defeat on the last four matches. They beat Tottenham 6:1, Everton 4:1 and Southampton 3:1, but lost 2:0 to Arsenal at St James Park last weekend. Howe has the majority of his players available for this match, but Jamaal Lascelles and Emil Krafth remain sidelined. The duo will miss the rest of the season with calf and knee-ligaments injury respectively. Sean Longstaff, who missed the defeat to Arsenal with a foot injury, is rated as doubtful. Most probably won't be risked here. Howe has admitted that he made a mistake starting with both attackers Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak for the first time against the Gunners. That means one of them could lose his place on Saturday, with Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin ready to deputize.
Leeds United vs. Newcastle United Prediction:
I expect Over 2.5 goals at Eland Road. Leeds are in poor form, though their matches are efficient - 9 of the last 10 have finished with Over 2.5 goals. The Whites have no space for calculations, they must go for the victory. Newcastle also need three points from this match, so I expect an efficient match.
Leeds United vs. Newcastle United Pick: Over 2.5 goals @ 1.65 with
Pinnacle