Newcastle United have just one point in two games ahead of their trip to face Leeds United at Elland Road in the Saturday evening Premier League game.
Leeds United won their first game against Everton at Elland Road, with Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United now the visitors and looking for their first victory.
Leeds have had the better of Newcastle in recent years in this fixture, but they are worlds apart in 2025/26 regarding the trajectories of both. Newcastle have had cup glory and they are now a Champions League side.
Meanwhile, Leeds had to endure another two seasons in the second tier. Despite Leeds having home advantage, Newcastle are the clear favourites for this fixture but Farke has hinted at a change for Leeds’ shape .
Eddie Howe explains how Newcastle can handle Leeds atmosphere
Leeds forward Noah Okafor will miss the Newcastle clash at Elland Road on Saturday evening. However, pundits like Paul Merson have predicted a draw for Leeds vs Newcastle.
Gary Neville and Roy Keane agree Newcastle will draw with Leeds. That same sentiment has been shared in Chris Sutton’s Leeds vs Newcastle prediction for the BBC, too.
Both fanbases can be hostile and intimidating when they need to be, which Eddie Howe knows all too well. He spoke in his pre-match press conference today to detail how to overcome the famous Elland Road atmosphere.
He said: “The start of the game is going to be very important for us. They have invested in a lot of good players. I love going to Elland Road. It is a stadium full of emotion, and we’ll need to use that emotion this weekend.”
Leeds have to make things hostile and not nervous, with so many still thinking about the club’s end to the transfer window ahead of deadline day.
Nick Woltemade won’t face Leeds
Newcastle are signing Nick Woltemade ahead of facing Leeds. He is a striker or attacking midfielder who will become the club’s record signing if he is secured.
Premier League rules mean that a player must be registered by 12pm the previous working day of a match. In this instance, Woltemade would have to be registered by midday on Friday to be involved at Elland Road.
While Woltemade is in England and set to sign on the dotted line imminently, Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie has told supporters on Twitter/X that the German’s arrival is likely to come too late to be registered for Saturday.
Woltemade will have to wait until after Leeds for his debut. That means William Osula could be the man to lead the line, with Anthony Gordon suspended.
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