Leeds United will hope to further cement their spot in the Championship play-off positions when they travel north to face Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Good Friday in what is a huge clash.
Garry Monk’s side bounced back from successive defeats away from home against Reading and Brentford to beat top six hopefuls Preston North End 3-0 at Elland Road last weekend, with Kemar Roofe, Pablo Hernandez and Souleymane Doukara all getting on the scoresheet.
However, the Whites have far from secured their place in the end of season lottery as they lie just five points above seventh-placed Fulham, and they know they must continue to pick up results in their final five league fixtures.
They come up against a Magpies side that are on the verge of securing an instant return to the Premier League despite losing 2-1 at Sheffield Wednesday last weekend, with Rafa Benitez’s men currently lying 10 points ahead of third-placed Huddersfield Town.
Here are three reasons Leeds will beat Newcastle on Good Friday…
They need it more
While Newcastle are 10 points clear of third-placed Huddersfield Town and on the verge of an instant return to the Premier League, Leeds’ situation is far less certain despite their 3-0 win against Preston North End at Elland Road last weekend.
The two successive defeats before that clash mean that they are now just five points ahead of seventh-placed Fulham, and they need to carry on picking up points if they are to end the campaign in the top six – starting at St James’ Park on Good Friday.
Newcastle’s home form
While Rafa Benitez’s men have picked up eight points more than any other Championship side on the road, their form at St James’ Park is only the sixth best in the division.
The Magpies have lost five out of their 20 home league matches this term – including against Leeds’ top six rivals Sheffield Wednesday and Fulham – and Garry Monk will look for his side to take advantage of that record, and perhaps try and frustrate the home fans in the opening stages.
Dwight is a doubt
Gayle has been one of Newcastle’s key players this season, and Leeds fans will remember his brace in the Magpies’ 2-0 win at Elland Road earlier in the campaign.
The striker has scored 22 goals in the Championship this term, but is a doubt for the visit of Garry Monk’s side after picking up a hamstring problem in the 2-1 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday last weekend.
It is news that will be a big boost for the visitors, with Daryl Murphy or Aleksandar Mitrovic likely to step in.
Do you agree, Leeds fans? Let us know below.