Leeds United v Newcastle United: A chance to bounce back?
Programme featuring Longstaff available at Elland Road and Online
Elland Road is set for a lively clash this weekend as Leeds United look to steady their Premier League return against a Newcastle side stumbling through an early-season injury and suspension crisis.
Leeds: Eager for a Response
Leeds arrive at this fixture with something to prove. The emphatic defeat at Arsenal, followed by the shambolic Cup exit at Hillsborough still sting, but the opening-day win over Everton showed Daniel Farke’s men can compete at this level. Supporters will be hoping that the setback in North London was more of a blip than a warning sign.
The big concern, however, comes in midfield. Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka have both been ruled out with a knee injury, leaving a sizable gap. That absence forces others—such as summer signings Sean Longstaff, Anton Stach, as well as Illia Gruev—to shoulder more responsibility in the centre of the park.
Newcastle: Crisis in Key Areas
While Leeds deal with the loss of one player, Newcastle’s issues run far deeper. Eddie Howe has to cope without several of his regular starters:
Joelinton is sidelined with a groin problem.
Sandro Tonali is a doubt after picking up a shoulder injury.
Fabian Schär is unavailable due to concussion protocols.
Anthony Gordon begins a suspension after his red card against Liverpool.
Alexander Isak remains out amid ongoing transfer complications.
With so many absentees across midfield, defence, and attack, Newcastle are expected to field a patched-up XI, relying on squad players like Jacob Ramsey and Malick Thiaw to fill the gaps.
Match Dynamics
For Leeds, this feels like a golden opportunity. Newcastle’s midfield is stripped of its usual drive and bite, while their defence looks vulnerable without Schär marshalling the back line. Add to that the suspension of Gordon and the uncertainty surrounding Isak, and suddenly Howe’s side look a shadow of the team that pushed into Europe two seasons ago.
That said, Leeds can’t afford complacency. Newcastle still possess threats—players who can punish lapses in concentration—and the Whites must maintain a high press and sharp tempo if they are to make home advantage count.
(If nothing else we’ll have some nice new merch)
Prediction and Outlook
On paper, Newcastle’s problems tilt the balance in Leeds’ favour. If Farke’s side harness the intensity of the Elland Road crowd and exploit the gaps in Newcastle’s makeshift line-up, points are there for the taking.
The additional absence of Tanaka is frustrating, but Newcastle’s extensive list of injuries and suspensions arguably levels things out. A disciplined, front-foot performance could see Leeds earn the kind of statement victory that restores confidence and lays down a marker for the season ahead.
Final thought: For Leeds fans, this isn’t just about points—it’s about proving we belong back in the Premier League and restoring faith after that shambolic performance at Hillsborough on Tuesday Evening. With Newcastle weakened, this is our moment to seize.
Written by Lucy
