Newcastle and Leeds United face off this weekend…
Newcastle United and Leeds United will do battle this weekend at Elland Road, a clash which has thrown up several memorable fixtures through the years.
The two clubs were part of the early Premier League era in the 1990s, and each are desperately trying to get back to their former heights.
Leeds even won the old first division in 1991/92, while Newcastle came agonisingly close to lifting the title in 1995/96.
We have put together a combined XI of the best players the two teams featured during the ’90s, including a couple of players who have featured for both clubs.
As an ode to former Toon boss Kevin Keegan, we have gone with an ultra attacking 3-4-3 formation, banking on this team scoring more than the opposition.
Goalkeeper and defence
With no apology to Newcastle, this area is dominated by Leeds United players. Let’s face it, defending and keeping clean sheets was not exactly the strong point of the Magpies back in the 90s.
Former England goalkeeper Nigel Martyn edges ex-Toon regular Pavel Srnicek in goal, while a star of the 91/92 title winning side Tony Dorigo is part of our back three.
Lucas Radebe in action for Leeds
South African cult hero Lucas Radebe is the lynchpin in defence, while a true one club man, Gary Kelly also features, with 430 appearances for the Whites to his name.
Midfield
One man picks himself, the late Gary Speed, who is a heroic figure for both clubs. The Welshman made more than 200 appearances for both teams, and was part of Leeds’ title winning squad.
Alongside him, ex-England international David Batty would give the defence a chance of standing firm. Also part of Leeds’ title winning team, he went on to lift the league with Blackburn, before playing for Newcastle between 1996 and 1998.
Gary Speed Newcastle
On the wings, Newcastle United icon David Ginola is a must pick. The dynamic Frenchman was one of the top stars of the 1990s, and one of the Toon’s most exciting players in recent history.
Controversial Australian winger Harry Kewell fills the position on the other flank, with his best years coming in the late 90s, which saw him voted PFA Young Player of the Year.
Strikers
Alan Shearer became English football’s most expensive player in 1996 when he signed for Newcastle, and he was a figure Leeds fans learned to fear. He netted more goals against them than any other club, and is a three time Golden Boot winner.
Shearer scores for Newcastle
Shearer’s partnership with Les Ferdinand in 95/96 almost carried the Toon to the title, and the ex-QPR man was a physical nightmare for defences to cope with.
Alongside them Lee Chapman completes the trio, the hero of the Whites’ 91/92 league winning squad. Chapman finished the season as top scorer and netted 80 goals for the club in four campaigns in the late 80s and early 90s.
Lee Chapman – Leeds United in action
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