Leeds vs Newcastle

A Relegation Six Pointer?

After a superb 3-2 win over inform West Ham United last Sunday, Leeds turn to face their next opponent, the newly oil-rich, Newcastle United who have signed former-Leeds man Chris Wood as an attacking option who is likely to start at the weekend. Is this game a relegation six-pointer despite Leeds currently sitting 9 points ahead of the drop zone before this weekend fixtures?

It is clear now that Leeds have suffered this season. Injuries and Covid have seen Leeds play without their full strength team for the vast majority of the season which explains their current league position. It is this league position that sees this weekends game against Newcastle become crucial in the relegation battle that is shaping up. With the January Transfer Window remaining open until the 31st, there is still plenty of time for Newcastle to splash out on players who are undoubtedly going to strengthen their team. It is crucial that Leeds try to put as much distance between them and Newcastle to ensure their Premier League status continues for a third consecutive season.

Leeds will be looking to follow up a seasons-best performance against a strong West Ham team with another good performance against Eddie Howe's side who are looking to begin their escape from the relegation places. Leeds will be hoping to have Patrick Bamford back in the lineup which will ease the pressure on the likes of Dan James and Jack Harrison, who is coming off the back of a game-winning hat-trick against the Hammers.

This is a game where Leeds can put some real distance between themselves and some of the other teams near the bottom of the league which is vital at this point of the year. A win potentially takes Leeds up to 11th in the table depending on other results but more importantly, it will see Leeds climb 12 and 13 points above Norwich and Newcastle respectively which will surely be unassailable between now and May.

I feel that this game suits Leeds more than Newcastle. Leeds are coming of a very impressively performance against West Ham. At times it was hard to tell which team have been sitting just above the relegation place an which team are pushing for continental football. That is until Forshaw and Firpo picked up minor injuries and had to be replaced midway through the first half. Disregarding any potential injuries happening, I think this game is there for the taking for Leeds at Elland Road.

Score Prediction

Leeds United 3 Newcastle United 1

How do you think Bielsa's men will get on this weekend? Let us know down in the comments section!