Leeds United face Newcastle today, hoping for better luck than their previous encounter.
Leeds United face a tough ask this afternoon as they bid to beat Newcastle United at St James Park.
The Whites suffered a 2-0 defeat to Rafa Benitez’s side back in November in a one sided game which failed to live up to it’s billing.
Here are three mistakes Leeds made in that fixture which they can’t afford to repeat…
The Kalvin Phillips experiment
Newcastle United’s Ayoze Perez in action with Leeds United’s Kemar Roofe and Kalvin Phillips
With Pablo Hernandez out injured, Garry Monk decided to try youngster Kalvin Phillips in an advanced role.
It really didn’t work with the defensive minded star unable to provide the spark Leeds needed to test Newcastle’s defence.
With a bit of luck, Leeds’ star Spaniard will be available today, but if he is not, don’t expect Phillips to fill in.
Rob Green’s dodgy hands
Newcastle United’s Dwight Gayle scores their first goal after Leeds United’s Rob Green fumbles the ball
Rob Green has been an asset for Leeds this season, but he still has the tendency to throw in the odd howler.
One came on his debut against QPR, and another set Leeds on their way to defeat against Newcastle, making an error for the opening goal of the match.
He has been pretty consistent and impressive since then, so the odds are in his favour of avoiding a similar mistake.
Doukara starting on the wing
Leeds United’s Souleymane Doukara in action with Newcastle United’s Jack Colback
Leeds were not only without Pablo Hernandez in attack against Newcastle last time, but they lacked real width in their play.
Souleymane Doukara started out wide, with the forward better suited to playing a role as an impact substitute.
Leeds hope to have Stuart Dallas and Alfonso Pedraza available for this fixture, neither of who featured at Elland Road in the earlier match.
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