Fresh off the back of consecutive victories, Newcastle United return to St James’ Park on Wednesday night.
They look to cement their rise into the top half of the Premier League table against a resilient Leeds United side. Eddie Howe’s men have climbed to ninth place following wins over Burnley and Crystal Palace. However, they face an increasingly busy January schedule across four different competitions.
They welcome a Leeds side that has become a specialist in stalemates. Daniel Farke’s team is currently on a seven-match unbeaten streak in the league. This run includes recent draws against both Manchester giants and Liverpool. Despite sitting 16th, the Whites are eight points clear of the relegation zone and haven’t tasted defeat since late November.
Newcastle United vs Leeds United – Match Preview and Team News
- Date: Wednesday, 7 January 2026
- Kick-off: 20:15 GMT
- Venue: St James’ Park, Newcastle
- Referee: Michael Salisbury
- VAR: Paul Howard
- Last Meeting: Leeds 0-0 Newcastle, 30 August 2025, Premier League
Team News
Newcastle United
Eddie Howe is hopeful that Jacob Murphy will pass a late fitness test. The winger was withdrawn due to fatigue during the victory over Crystal Palace. However, the Magpies remain without Anthony Elanga, William Osula, Dan Burn, and Emil Krafth. Youngster Lewis Miley is expected to continue his impressive stint at right-back. Meanwhile, Nick Woltemade is pushing for a start in the final third after netting seven goals this season.
Leeds United
The visitors are boosted by the return of captain Ethan Ampadu from suspension. However, Daniel James and Joe Rodon remain sidelined. Jayden Bogle is also a major doubt with a calf injury. Daniel Farke indicated that Sean Longstaff could potentially feature for a few minutes against his former club. The midfielder has been out for six weeks. Dominic Calvert-Lewin will lead the line again, having already scored eight league goals this campaign.
Form
Newcastle United
The Magpies are currently unbeaten in their last seven home league matches. Remarkably, they have scored exactly twice in every one of those fixtures. Newcastle have forced 248 pressed sequences this season, more than any other side. Furthermore, Harvey Barnes has a prolific record against the Whites, scoring six goals in eight starts against them. Eddie Howe aims to end a personal hoodoo against Daniel Farke in the top flight today.
Leeds United
Leeds are specialists in defensive resilience on the road lately. They are unbeaten in their last three away games, all of which ended in draws. They seek to go four without defeat on the road in the top flight for the first time since 2001. However, Leeds have conceded five goals from high turnovers this term. They have also historically struggled at this venue, with only one win in their last seven Premier League meetings.
Predicted Lineups
Newcastle United predicted XI: Pope; Miley, Thiaw, Schar, Hall; Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton; Murphy, Woltemade, Gordon
Leeds United predicted XI: Perri; Bijol, Bornauw, Struijk; Justin, Stach, Aaronson, Ampadu, Gudmundsson; Calvert-Lewin, Okafor
How to watch Newcastle vs Leeds?
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event. Coverage starts at 19:30 GMT.
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