Kick-off: 1500, 31/12/2022
Stadium: St James’ Park
High-flying Newcastle continue to look the real deal and are backed to make it seven straight Premier League wins when entertaining Leeds.
The Magpies have played through over eight hours of action in all competitions since last conceding a goal at St James’ Park.
That makes 7/5 for a home win to nil an obvious place to start with our first Newcastle vs Leeds prediction.
Newcastle United Odds
Newcastle were expected to face a tricky test when visiting Leicester on Boxing Day but cruised to a 3-0 victory.
Chris Wood converted an early penalty, Miguel Almiron made it two after just seven minutes and Joelinton headed in with little more than half an hour gone.
Few now doubt that the Magpies are here to stay in the race for a top-four finish and Champions League football next term.
“The fans are there to dream,” said England full-back Kieran Trippier. “That is what they pay all their hard-earned money to watch us and follow us for.
“As players, we need to be realistic and keep our feet on the ground. You can’t take anything for granted, you’ve always got to respect your opposition, but we believe.
“We’re in a good position in the Premier League and the cup. We are together as a team and a club and just take it a game at a time.”
Almiron’s improvement this season has been nothing short of sensational, with nine Premier League goals netted, compared to one all last term.
Let’s go with the Paraguay international to break the deadlock here at 4/1 from the Newcastle vs Leeds odds.
Last Newcastle line-up: Pope, Trippier, Botman, Schar, Burn, Willock, Longstaff, Guimaraes, Joelinton, Wood, Almiron.
Striker Callum Wilson could return after illness. Fellow frontman Alexander Isak is close to fitness after a thigh injury, but midfielder Jonjo Shelvey is out for six to eight weeks after aggravating a calf problem, joining defender Emil Krafth on the sidelines.
Leeds United Odds
Leeds returned to action with a 3-1 home loss to Manchester City, which left them just two points above the relegation zone.
The Whites somehow almost managed to hold out until half-time at Elland Road, with Jack Grealish guilty of the worst miss.
However, Rodri pounced when Illan Meslier could only parry out a low shot and then Erling Haland bagged a brace after the break.
Pascal Struijk headed in a 73rd-minute corner for Leeds, but although that lifted the home faithful and prompted a late flurry from his side, the damage was already done.
Jesse Marsch commented: “They got three on the day, so to say it was great isn’t accurate, but you know when you play these games, the opponents are so good.
“But we are making progress and we have to stay laser-focused on our process.”
The Yorkshire outfit don’t lack spirit, winning 2-1 at Liverpool and leading three times at Tottenham before tasting defeat.
We just feel Marsch may have to sacrifice this tough fixture before preparing for a kinder run of games.
Punters can get 25/4 for a 2-0 home win and that completes our Newcastle vs Leeds betting tips.
Last Leeds line-up: Meslier, Koch, Cooper, Struijk, Kristensen, Forshaw, Roca, Greenwood, Aaronson, Rodrigo, Gnonto.
Leeds midfielder Tyler Adams is available after suspension and both Crysencio Summerville (foot) and Jack Harrison (adductor) hope to be back in contention.
Patrick Bamford is expected to return to full training next week after groin surgery but Luis Sinisterra (foot) and Stuart Dallas (broken leg) are still out.
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