Premier League: Newcastle United vs Leeds United - Preview, prediction, and team news

After returning to action last week with wins in the league and cup, the Magpies now face a side that sits just outside the Premier League relegation zone after losing 3-1 to Manchester City.

After six straight league wins, Newcastle moved up into thin air of the league's top three at Christmas, and Eddie Howe's side looks well on their way to challenging for a Champions League spot next season - if not the Premier League title.

The "Magpies" swept aside Leicester City in their first league game since the World Cup, taking a three-goal lead in an excellent first half hour at the King Power Stadium that they never relinquished. Chris Wood's penalty gave them the lead before Miguel Almiron's last-gasp strike, and Joelinton's goal before half-time put everything beyond doubt.

Newcastle, unbeaten in all competitions since the defeat at Anfield in August - their only loss this season - will now look to say goodbye to their fans with a win, believing anything is possible under Howe's leadership.

Before Leeds visited St. James' on New Year's Eve, only Cambridge United and Liverpool had beaten the Toons at home in 2022. A 1-0 win over Bournemouth last week secured a place in the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup.

They now face Leicester again in the last eight of that competition and have turned the corner this year. They are now just two points behind reigning champions Manchester City and are one ahead of Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United.

When Newcastle last faced Leeds in the Premier League in January, they were in last place and had won just once in 20 games, how things have changed since then.

At the time, they led the table by 10 points over the Geordies, but in the intervening period, Leeds have taken less than half of Newcastle's 70 points.

Jesse Marsch's men come to the northeast with the second-worst away record in the league and have won just once away from home this season - conceding more than two goals per game.

They beat Liverpool at Anfield just before the World Cup break, but a 3-1 defeat at home to Manchester City in midweek made it three defeats in four competitive games.

Leeds-born Erling Haaland became the fastest player to score 20 Premier League goals as the champions prevailed against a stubborn March side that denied the visitors time and space at Elland Road. Pascal Struijk's header from a corner was ultimately a poor consolation.

Conceding ten goals in the last three league games is undoubtedly a cause for concern, especially as they now face another team near the top of the table - and Newcastle have also conceded just five goals at home this season.

If results do not go their way elsewhere, the Whites could even slip into the relegation zone in the New Year, so even avoiding defeat on Saturday can be considered a success.

Team News

With Howe looking for continuity after his side's good Boxing Day performance, he is likely to make changes this weekend. However, star striker Callum Wilson could be fit again.

The England international missed Newcastle's win over Leicester due to illness but is expected to be involved against Leeds, meaning Wood may have to sit on the bench. Fellow striker Alexander Isak is still recovering from his thigh injury and is not expected back until mid-January.

Jonjo Shelvey recently suffered a calf injury that will keep him out for several weeks, and Paul Dummett is still unable to return to first-team training due to back problems. Matt Ritchie made a brief appearance at the King Power Stadium after missing most of the season and should therefore be available.

After strikers Jack Harrison and Crysencio Summerville were forced to sit on the bench against Manchester City due to fitness issues, both are considered possible candidates to feature on Saturday.

Tyler Adams returns from suspension and will bolster the visitors' midfield, meaning Sam Greenwood could miss out on the first-team XI. Patrick Bamford remains questionable after his groin injury, while Mateusz Klich is considering a move to MLS club DC United.

Prediction 

Newcastle 2-0 Leeds

Newcastle claimed a 3-0 win over Leicester on Boxing Day to extend their unbeaten run to 11 games. The Magpies have improved to third place with six straight wins.

Leeds lost 3-1 to Manchester City on Wednesday night and have lost six of their last eight games. The Whites are unbeaten in their previous three visiting games at St. James' Park.

Newcastle have gone five of their last seven league games without conceding a goal, and that streak could continue here.