STAR FOOTBALL PREVIEW Sat: Leeds v Newcastle

Sam Allardyce’s first outing as Leeds manager ended in defeat and he could be heading for another loss after the visit of Newcastle United.

His attempted survival bid didn’t get off to a fast start as Manchester City took a 2-0 lead within 27 minutes at the Etihad, but Ilkay Gundogan’s missed penalty and a late Rodrigo strike meant that the final score was just 2-1 in City’s favour. Leeds showed good fight late on but lost the shot count 18-4 and the InfoGol xG rating 2.65 – 0.27, showing the gap between the two sides, and life isn’t about to get much easier against Newcastle.

The Magpies – who have a first Champions League qualification in 20 years well within their grasp – lost absolutely no shame in going down 2-0 to Arsenal at St James’s Park in a pulsating encounter, having won their last three games in impressive style (6-1 winners against Tottenham, 4-1 against Everton and 3-1 against Southampton).

Leeds United v Newcastle United
Premier League
12.30 BT Sport 1 / BT Sport Ultimate HD

HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORD
(Maximum 10 matches)
DEC 2022 PREMIER LEAGUE Newcastle 0-0 Leeds
JAN 2022 PREMIER LEAGUE Leeds 0-1 Newcastle
SEP 2021 PREMIER LEAGUE Newcastle 1-1 Leeds
JAN 2021 PREMIER LEAGUE Newcastle 1-2 Leeds
DEC 2020 PREMIER LEAGUE Leeds 5-2 Newcastle
APR 2017 CHAMPIONSHIP Newcastle 1-1 Leeds
NOV 2016 CHAMPIONSHIP Leeds 0-2 Newcastle
SEP 2013 CAPITAL ONE CUP Newcastle 2-0 Leeds
JAN 2004 PREMIERSHIP Newcastle 1-0 Leeds
AUG 2003 PREMIERSHIP Leeds 2-2 Newcastle

Their dominance against Everton and Southampton spells danger for Leeds, who are involved in a relegation battle with both those sides, and the Toon’s away record against bottom half sides also reads extremely well, with wins against 5 of the bottom six clubs on the road (Leeds are the only side they’ve not played yet).

Allardyce has had more time to work with the Leeds squad so we should see a more cohesive performance here, but the way City managed to dominate Adam Forshaw, Marc Roca and Weston McKennie doesn’t bode well against a likely trio of Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes and Joe Willock whilst Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak can give Leeds plenty of problems.

Eddie Howe’s men were arguably better than the final scoreline against Arsenal last week, and with their attacking game in full flow, they make strong appeal to take a giant step towards Champions League football with victory here. Take the 4/6 on offer with starsports.bet.

WILLIAM KEDJANYI

RECOMMENDED BETS
BACK Newcastle 4 pts at 4/6 (Latest Star Price ? CLICK TO BET NOW)

PROFIT/LOSS (MAY 2023): LOSS -11.61 points