Premier League: Leeds Fight for Their Lives in Penultimate Home Match

Leeds United vs Newcastle United

Leeds United have three games left to save their Premier League status for another season. After big wins from other relegation strugglers, the Whites now find themselves in the drop zone and are two points from safety.

Sam Allardyce‘s side will now take on one of his many former teams, Newcastle United, in their penultimate home game at Elland Road.

But the Magpies, who suffered a defeat to Arsenal last time out, won’t be keen to do Big Sam a favour as they still need to win to secure third spot.

Talking Points

Leeds running out of time

Leeds United’s Premier League 2023 odds of avoiding relegation are not looking good at the moment. With just three games to go, the Whites are now second from bottom after both Nottingham Forest and Everton picked up big wins.

Meanwhile, Leeds lost 2-1 to Premier League leaders Manchester City in Sam Allardyce’s debut. That defeat extended Leeds’ disastrous run to six straight games without a win, with five losses.

Allardyce reverted to a 4-2-3-1 formation against City, with central midfielder Adam Forshaw playing in the No 10 position. He also brought in goalkeeper Joel Robles in place of Illan Meslier, who committed a couple of costly errors in their 4-1 defeat to Bournemouth.

Rodrigo Moreno scored a consolation goal against Man City, his first goal since mid-March, as he increased his tally to 12 goals on the season. With Leeds desperately needing to win, Rodrigo could be brought in to start in place of Patrick Bamford.

Leeds will be hoping to summon the energy of the Elland Road faithful to energise them in this must-win game. But the Whites’ Premier League 2023 results at home have not been good. They have won just twice in nine home games this  calendar year, with four draws and three defeats.

Newcastle yet to nail down third place

Newcastle United are in the driver’s seat for second place as they lead Manchester United by two points with just four games to go. However, the Magpies failed to add to their lead after losing 2-0 at home to Arsenal last time out. That loss means the Magpies still have much to play for in the last few games of the season.

Newcastle’s attack, which had scored 13 goals in their previous three games, was silenced by the Gunners, although Newcastle did hit the woodwork twice through Alexander Isak and Jacob Murphy.

But the Magpies will fancy their chances of getting back on track against Leeds’ league-worst defence, which had conceded five or more goals in two of their last three games.

Callum Wilson, who had scored in each of his last three games, will be keen to continue his strong end to the season.

And Eddie Howe will have plenty of options in attack, with the likes of Miguel Almiron, Allan Saint-Maximin, and Anthony Gordon waiting in the wings.

Newcastle have had a terrific record away from home of late. They have won four of their last five, scoring a whopping 13 goals during those games.

History

This will be the 28th meeting between Leeds and Newcastle in the Premier League era. Newcastle hold a 12-7 advantage in wins, with eight draws.

Leeds did the double over Newcastle in their first season back in the Premier League. But the Magpies have gone unbeaten in their three meetings since. They played out a scoreless draw in their first meeting of this season at St James Park.

Betting Tip

SBOTOP odds have Newcastle installed as overwhelming 1.67 favourites to beat Leeds, who are priced at 4.20 to pick up a crucial home win. A draw is 3.80.

Leeds are running out of time to save themselves from relegation, so expect them to come out with a much greater sense of urgency at home.

Big Sam quickly made his presence felt with a dogged defensive performance against Man City, and look for Leeds to have an effective plan in place against Newcastle.

 

●●●

CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS

Stay updated with everything sports and betting.

Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.