Jamaal Lascelles is prepared for the Leeds United test, but are his Newcastle teammates?
Newcastle United know they are in for a big test away to Leeds United this weekend, but some will be prepared better than others.
The tough Elland Road atmosphere is likely to be more vociferous than it has been for years, and it is a fixture Newcastle’s captain Jamaal Lascelles has been warning about since early September.
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez and Jamaal Lascelles during training
Lascelles was quoted by the Shields Gazette at the time, picking out the fixture as an illustration of the tough games the Newcastle players will have to ensure they have the right attitude for in order to succeed in the division.
He was speaking after a shaky start to the season which saw them lose two of their opening games, and they have not lost since.
He said: “It’s a really tough league. When you’re going to Leeds United on a Tuesday night and it’s cold and raining, you need big characters.
“You need players to come out of their shells and start using their voices.”
Jamaal Lascelles celebrates scoring the first goal for Newcastle United
The day of the week may be different, with the game taking place on a Sunday, but the fixture is no less intimidating, with the sets of fans already selling out Elland Road, and having had a fortnight to look forward to the game.
Leeds are up to sixth position, occupying a play-off spot, and knocked off Norwich City in their last match, who were relegated from the Premier League last season along with Newcastle.
Lascelles knows what playing away to Leeds is all about, having done so with Nottingham Forest earlier in his career.
For many of the Newcastle players it will be their first time at Elland Road, and they will need to focus and show their character as Lascelles demanded more than two months ago.
Leeds manager Garry Monk
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