The Magpies travel to what will be a sold-out Elland Road on Saturday.
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez has told the club’s official website that he has been hugely impressed with what he has seen from Saturday’s opponents Leeds United under Garry Monk so far this season.
The Magpies travel to Elland Road on Saturday in a clash between two clubs who will claim to be among the most prestigious in the Championship.
Benitez’s side are flying at present. The Tyneside club have won their last eight games in all competitions, scoring 23 goals and conceding just six across that run, form which has put them three points clear at the top of the table ahead of second-placed Brighton & Hove Albion’s clash with Aston Villa on Friday night.
Meanwhile, Leeds’ form is not far behind, with Monk’s side having won nine of their last 12 in all competitions to rise out of nowhere into the final play-off spot.
It has been a remarkable improvement for the Whites, who lost four and won just one of their first six league games under the former Swansea City boss.
Ahead of Saturday’s clash, Benitez hailed his managerial counterpart, whom he faced firsthand as manager of Napoli three years ago.
The Spaniard told Newcastle’s website: “They are doing well, we are doing well, there will be a lot of fans in the stadium and I think it will be a massive game for everyone. It is the kind of game you want to play in and you want to win. They are in form, like us, and it will be very tough. I think it will be an interesting game.
“I think [Monk] is doing really well. [At Napoli] we played against Swansea, and we beat them 3-1 in our stadium and drew 0-0 away. Both games were very difficult.
“I could see what he was doing there, and I can see what he is doing now. He is a good manager, a young manager and he is growing.”
Despite Leeds’ recent improvement, Newcastle will surely head to West Yorkshire as favourites.
If Monk can mastermind a victory over the league leaders, it will be the biggest testament yet of his credentials to be the man to finally lead the club to a play-off spot.
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