Newcastle United are back in action again tonight with Leeds United making the trip to St. James’ Park, and Eddie Howe is under no illusions as to the challenge his side faces.
After the wins over Burnley and Crystal Palace, Newcastle are finally on a good run of results and they’ll be looking to make it three from three on Wednesday night.
Would a draw against Leeds be a good result? 🤝
History would suggest it could be another level game!
That’s easier said than done, though. Leeds have impressed since making the step back up to the Premier League and they’ve caused Eddie Howe’s side some problems in their past encounters.
Still, the likes of Chris Sutton have predicted a Newcastle win, but Howe will need his team to be at their very best at both ends to secure that crucial victory.
Eddie Howe on Leeds United challenge
In his press briefing on Tuesday morning, the Newcastle United manager spoke about his upcoming opponents and was full of praise for Daniel Farke’s work at Leeds.
He said: “Leeds have come back into the Premier League and done really well. We saw early in the season how strong they can be. It was a tough game [at Elland Road]. Daniel has done a great job.
“They went up last season on the back of expansive, entertaining football but now they are solid and impressive at the back. It’s so hard to keep clean sheets. And they look like they can create goals too.
“They are on a good unbeaten run. It will be a really difficult game.”
We all know the goal threat Leeds pose, especially with Dominic Calvert-Lewin finding his shooting boots of late. And it’s that comment from Howe about the difficulty in keeping clean sheets that really caught our attention.
Who should Eddie Howe play up front against Leeds?
Woltemade, Wissa or BOTH?!
Newcastle have struggled to keep clean sheets this season
That clean sheet against Palace on Sunday was Newcastle’s first since November 5th if we’re looking at any competition (in the 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao). The Magpies hadn’t kept a clean sheet in the league since October 5th, against Nottingham Forest.
Indeed, Paul Merson thinks Newcastle will play out an entertaining draw against Leeds, and he’s probably right. Four of the last five meetings between these two sides have been draws.
Still, you have to go back to 2021 for the last time Leeds beat Newcastle. So, hopefully at the very least we will see the Magpies avoid defeat tonight.
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