Newcastle United take on Leeds United on Friday in the Championship, and HITC pundits give their predictions on the likely outcome.
Newcastle United 1-1 Leeds United
One of the glamour games of the division, this game has lost a little of it’s lustre with both teams being able to afford to lose and still achieve their objectives. Expect Chris Wood to get back among the goals for Leeds but Newcastle will have enough to avoid defeat.
Leeds United’s Chris Wood celebrates
Newcastle United 0-1 Leeds United
The Magpies are fortunate they enjoyed such an excellent start to the season because defeat at Wednesday once again highlighted the wobbles in their defence. And a clinical Leeds could take advantage of their worrying home form.
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez
Newcastle United 2-0 Leeds United
A difficult game to call, Newcastle lost to Sheffield Wednesday last time out, whilst Leeds bounced back from their poor display against Brentford to put Preston to the sword at Elland Road. Newcastle haven’t shown their best form at home, but they’re better at St James’ than Leeds are on their travels. Garry Monk’s side have lost more games than they’ve won away from home this season, and I’m just inclined to back Newcastle to add to that record.
Newcastle United 2-1 Leeds United
Despite the Magpies stuttering form, I think the need to catch Brighton will kick in against Leeds this Friday and I would expect them to beat Garry Monk’s side, despite how Leeds have been playing recently. Chris Wood will likely give the Newcastle defence problems, though.
Newcastle United 1-0 Leeds United
Both teams have been in slightly patchy form, but I think Newcastle may just be able to squeeze out a win, with Leeds star Chris Wood continuing to struggle to find the net.
Leeds United manager Garry Monk
Newcastle United 0-2 Leeds United
Newcastle are a bit iffy at home and could be without key players at both ends in Ciaran Clark and Dwight Gayle against Leeds. The Whites are well organised and it would be no surprise to me if they left St James’ with all three points.
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez shakes hands with Matt Ritchie
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