Newcastle United and Leeds United will both be seeking their first win of the Premier League season when they go head-to-head at St James’ Park on Friday evening.
It has been a tough start to the season for both clubs, with the Magpies sitting in a lowly 19th place in the standings, while the Whites are just a point and two places better off in 17th.
Whites to Extend Winning Run
There’s a great deal of pressure on both sides going into Friday’s game to register that first win, but Leeds hold the edge when it comes to recent meetings.
Marcelo Bielsa’s men won both encounters in 2020-21, running out emphatic 5-2 winners on home soil, before following that up with a 2-1 triumph in the north east.
It’s fair to say that Leeds haven’t yet displayed anything near that level of performance so far in 2021-22, however, Friday’s trip to St James’ offers a perfect chance to get up and running.
Newcastle are priced at 21/10 to pick up three points but Leeds, who are available at 13/10, are the pick in this one.
Despite starting slowly, Leeds seem to still be in good spirits and all of the noises coming out of the club suggest they are confident of starting their ascent sooner rather than later.
Draws against Everton, who are yet to lose this term, and Burnley should also provide optimism of edging towards that maiden win.
It’s also worth noting that Newcastle have the worst defensive record in the division and Leeds’ attacking intent could overwhelm the hosts.
Goals are on the Cards
Newcastle have been far too easy to break down this term, shipping 12 goals, while Leeds are joint-second in the goals conceded column.
The Whites make the trip with major concerns in the heart of defence, after failing to overturn Pascal Struijk’s red card in the 3-0 loss to Liverpool.
Struijk joins Diego Llorente and Robin Koch – who are both injured – on the sidelines and Bielsa has some big decisions to make.
All of this leads to the feeling that there could be goals on the cards on Friday and backing Leeds to win and over 2.5 goals, which is available at 47/20, offers interest.
Leeds to win and both teams to score at 3/1 is also an avenue worth exploring as both sides are likely to focus more on their attacking intent rather than looking to sit back and rely on a rocky defence.
Lascelles to Take Advantage
One of Leeds’ biggest problems last season came when trying to defend set-pieces, especially corners and that issue has persisted this campaign.
Illan Meslier has looked uncomfortable under the high ball and it would be surprise if Newcastle didn’t attempt to exploit that vulnerability.
Lascelles looks a prime option to net if the delivery is good from corners and backing him to score anytime at 12/1 could be very profitable.
The centre-back doesn’t score a huge amount of goals, netting just twice in the league last season, but the majority of his goals – eight of 11 – during his time with the Magpies have come at St James’ Park.
*All odds correct at time of writing