Newcastle United vs Leeds United
Two of England’s proudest clubs will meet at St. James Park on Friday night in front of a packed, loud and passionate crowd.
The Premier League match between Newcastle vs Leeds is the biggest attraction in the North East quarter of the United Kingdom by a mile.
The Geordies have bossed their region on Tyneside with local tussles against Sunderland and Middlesbrough through the years, while Leeds United are the pride of West Yorkshire, former champions and with equally fanatical supporters.
It’s not all that long ago that Newcastle and Leeds were among the very elite of European football, as Geordie legend Alan Shearer almost fired the Magpies to glory while Leeds were in the Champions League semi-final as recent as 2001.
Both have been sleeping giants in recent years and younger fans can only listen to tales of former glories but there could be bright times ahead particularly for Leeds — who took the Premier League by storm last season and play some of the most attractive football in England — although Newcastle too have a special star of their own.
Talking Points
Magpies rely heavily on Saint-Maximin
When Newcastle met Manchester United last week, they simply couldn’t handle the recently returned Cristiano Ronaldo and the hype that surrounded him as he returned to Old Trafford and transformed it into the Theatre of Dreams for the first time since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013.
But the score was a little harsh on Steve Bruce’s side which took the game to the Red Devils, inspired by the talismanic Frenchman Allan Saint-Maximin.
In a team often criticised for a turgid style of play, the 24-year-old has been a shining light with his electrifying runs and unpredictability.
When he plays, the Geordies have a spark. But when he doesn’t, they return to their usual selves and he hasn’t always been available in his two seasons at St James’ Park as injuries reduced his appearances to 51 games.
He was superb going forward against Manchester United and, if he picks up another unfortunate knock, the Magpies will struggle.
Up front, Miguel Almiron continues to underwhelm while £40-M flop Joelinton missed yet another great chance when Newcastle trailed 2-1.
At the other end of the pitch, anyone but a Manchester United fan would point out that Ronaldo’s brace and Bruno Fernandes’ strike would have been stopped by an efficient defence and that remains a real worry for Steve Bruce.
The Magpies are third favourites to be relegated at SBOTOP odds of 2.25 and a disappointing summer transfer window won’t have helped the mood around St. James Park, which will turn darker if Newcastle fall against Leeds on Friday.
Whites will keep the faith
Leeds’ hotly anticipated clash with Liverpool ended in disappointment for Marcelo Bielsa’s side as the Reds found their best form to run out 3-0 winners.
This was the second time the Whites have been on a thumping this term, also whacked 5-1 by Manchester United on the opening day.
Liverpool had 30 shots in their victory over Leeds and there is a debate whether the Whites should have been more pragmatic against another top side.
But that is not the Bielsa way. He has an array of attacking talent with the likes of Rodrigo — who tested Alisson with an early shot against Liverpool — Jack Harrison, and Raphinha.
And this style of play earned points in entertaining games against Everton and Burnley. Leeds will not compromise their principles and I expect them to come out against Newcastle on the front foot. But they must beware of Saint-Maximin’s ability to create Premier League 2021 highlights for the Magpies.
The pre-match Premier League 2021 betting odds back the visitors for a narrow win and to achieve that they must win the battles at either end of the pitch, though there may be an enforced change in defence.
The Whites have appealed the red card harshly handed out to Pascal Struijk for his tackle of Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott.
History
In terms of head-to-heads, the Magpies have been better in the Premier League era, winning 13 to Leeds’ eight and there have been eight draws.
Last season, Leeds won 2-1 on Tyneside thanks to goals from Raphinha and Harrison, while Almiron replied for Newcastle.
Back in the now, early season form has been a little uninspiring for both as Newcastle are without a win in five while Leeds’ sole victory came in the Carabao Cup win over Crewe Alexandra.
Betting Tip
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Newcastle United vs Leeds United | 1X2 Draw @ 3.45 |
| September 18, 03:00 (GMT+8) |
Bielsa’s attacking Whites are favourites to win this game at odds of 2.29 and the visitors undoubtedly have more talent than their hosts, who are available at 2.97.
Home advantage could work either way for the Geordies and I think we’ll see goals as two lively attacks take on two shaky defences. A correct scoreline of 2-2 at 10.60 is a decent long shot bet.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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 = €20 (Highly confident) |
= €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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