Sam Allardyce was hired to fight the relegation fire at Leeds United. His first match in charge saw the Whites lose 2-1 against Man City, as they nearly achieved a point from a late smash-and-grab.
Now, Allardyce takes Leeds into a must-win match against third-place Newcastle United. The Whites are 19th and two points off survival.
👊 Three to go. Marching On Together, always. #LUFC pic.twitter.com/deUgiOVog2— Leeds United (@LUFC) May 6, 2023
👊 Three to go. Marching On Together, always. #LUFC pic.twitter.com/deUgiOVog2
Newcastle United are also coming off a defeat, as they fell 2-0 to Arsenal at St James’ Park. The defeat opened the door for fifth-place Liverpool to potentially steal a top-four place. Newcastle will start the weekend on Saturday at lunchtime, playing over 48 before Liverpool.
The gap between third place and fifth place is just three points. Newcastle do have a game in hand over Liverpool, but the Magpies are in unchartered territory.
Leeds are on their third manager of the season after Allardyce took over for Javi Gracia. The team took a mere one point from the last six matches and is on a two-match losing streak.
Leeds’ defence was punished in the last six games, conceding 20 times. The attack scored just six goals.
Newcastle are at the opposite end of the form table. The Magpies took 12 points from the last six matches, scoring 15 goals.
The defence conceded nine times, however. Newcastle’s previously strong defence suddenly became leaky.
The reverse fixture between Leeds and Newcastle finished in an uneventful nil-nil draw. The Whites were holding on for much of the match, but Newcastle failed to find the back of the net.
Leeds actually have a strong head-to-head record against Newcastle in their last six meetings. The Whites posted a record of 2W-3D-1L.
Four players are set to miss the match through injury for Leeds. Stuart Dallas, Liam Cooper, Tyler Adams, and Luis Sinisterra have been ruled out with injuries.
Eddie Howe will be without Sean Longstaff due to an ankle injury. Jamaal Lascelles is out with a calf problem. Defender Emil Krath has a knee injury ruling him out. Ryan Fraser continues to work with the Newcastle U21 team as a player-coach.
Leeds are winless in three straight matches at Elland Road. The team has won five of 17 home matches this term. Newcastle won four of their last five games away from St James’ Park.
Despite Newcastle’s poor head-to-head record against Leeds, the Magpies should post a win on Saturday at lunchtime. Newcastle should win 3-1, and striker Alexander Isak could get back among the goals.