Leeds United will be aiming to get their first win of the new Premier League season when they travel to St James’ Park to face Newcastle United on Friday.
The Whites are winless after four games into the season, picking up just two points. Against Liverpool last time out, the 10 men of Leeds United fell to a 3-0 defeat at Elland Road. Pascal Struijk was harshly sent off as he won the ball while inadvertently inflicting a horrid injury on Liverpool youngster Harvey Elliot.
Nevertheless, Marcelo Bielsa’s side will be desperate to get their first three points against a Newcastle side struggling at the wrong end of the table after picking up just one point in four games.
Team News
Diego Llorente suffered a hamstring injury against Liverpool on Sunday and is likely to be absent for a few weeks, at least. Struijk is also suspended.
Robin Koch has been absent for the last few games with a pelvis injury and is likely to miss out again. Adam Forshaw missed Sunday’s clash with Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool and Bielsa confirmed after the game the midfielder had suffered a muscular injury.
Predicted Leeds United lineup vs Newcastle United (3-3-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Illan Meslier produced a strong display against Liverpool, and had it not been for him between the sticks, the scoreline would have been embarrassing for Leeds on Sunday.
Defence
With the Whites facing a defensive crisis, Bielsa has to shuffle his pack. The Argentinean tactician could revert to a back three that will likely comprise Luke Ayling, Liam Cooper and Junior Firpo.
Jamie Shackleton could get a chance to impress at right wing-back in the Leeds United lineup with Stuart Dallas on the other side of the defence.
Predicted Leeds United Lineup vs Newcastle United
Midfield
It is difficult to imagine a Leeds United side without Kalvin Phillips. The England international is key to how the Whites operate and is a certainty to start against Steve Bruce’s side.
Bielsa could go with the aggressive and energetic Mateusz Klich for Rodrigo to bring some calmness and stability to his midfield.
Attack
Leeds’ attack is yet to click as a unit. But the game against a lowly Newcastle will be a great chance for Bielsa’s flair players to get back their mojo, especially Raphinha, who with his pace, dynamism and movement can cause problems to the hosts’ backline.
Welsh winger Daniel James could also make the Leeds United lineup on Friday after his summer move from Manchester United.
Leading the line will be none other than Patrick Bamford, who will be raring to get on the score-sheet against a shaky Magpies defence.