Leeds United and Newcastle meet in a league fixture at Elland Road for the first time in over a decade on Sunday afternoon, in what is sure to be a mouthwatering Championship clash.
Magpies fans will feel pretty confident going into this one – ahead of Saturday’s batch of second tier fixtures, they were three points clear at the top of the table amid a run of seven consecutive league wins.
But following a difficult start to the campaign, Garry Monk’s men have turned things around and are now in the hunt for a playoff spot.
The former Swansea City manager was understood to be on the verge of being sacked by controversial owner Massimo Cellino in September, but the Italian kept faith with his gaffer the decision has paid off dividends.
In fact, we’re backing the Whites to bring Newcastle’s winning run to an abrupt end this Sunday. Here are three seasons why.
They’ve got Chris Wood
Leeds will be well aware that Newcastle have only conceded three times in their eight matches on the road this season, but they have an in-form striker supporters will believe can pierce that sturdy defence.
Wood is the focal point of his side’s attack and the New Zealand international comes into this fixture full of confidence having netted six goals in his last seven appearances at Elland Road. He will be looking to add to that impressive tally on Sunday.
Momentum
Despite making a disappointing start to the campaign which saw them lying in 22nd place after the first six matches, Leeds have turned their season around emphatically.
Since then, Garry Monk’s men have taken 22 points from the last 30 available, with only Brighton and their opponents on Sunday registering more in that time.
The Whites have won their last three Championship fixtures and picked up a morale-boosting 3-2 win at promotion rivals Norwich City before the international break.
Feel-good factor
For the first time since 2010 Elland Road will be sold out, and that is because of feel-good feeling and sense of togetherness around the Yorkshire club at the moment.
Their rise up the Championship table and opportunity to beat the league leaders this weekend means supporters will really get behind their team in what is sure to be a brilliant atmosphere.
They will hope to be the twelfth man that inspires their team to pick up another three points.