Longstaff To Start? | Predicted 4-2-3-1 Leeds United Lineup To Face Newcastle United | OneFootball

After a winning start upon their top-flight return, Leeds United suffered successive setbacks against Arsenal and Sheffield Wednesday in the Premier League and EFL Cup, respectively. They will be back at Elland Road on Saturday evening, and Daniel Farke should demand a reaction from his men, even though it won’t be a stroll in the park against Newcastle United.

The Magpies, depleted by injuries, suspension and, distinctly, the Alexander Isak saga, showed great spirit against the champions Liverpool at St James’ Park. They scored twice despite being a man down for the majority of the contest, but suffered an injury-time heartbreak when 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha spoiled their night. Eddie Howe would aim for their first win of the season, and Farke, therefore, must regroup the Whites to avoid a third defeat in a row.

Predicted 4-2-3-1 Leeds United Lineup To Face Newcastle United

Defence

Karl Darlow got the nod against Wednesday, but should make way for Lucas Perri, who has replaced Illan Meslier as the new Leeds ‘number 1’. The Brazilian grabbed a clean sheet with Everton but conceded five goals last weekend versus the Gunners.

Farke relied on their summer signings, Sebastiaan Bornauw and Jaka Bijol, in the heart of the backline, but should restore Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk once more, at least for one more fixture. While they are closing in on James Justin, Jayden Bogle is expected to retain his right-back role. Gabriel Gudmundsson has been roped in as the first-choice left fullback, as the Swedish international must replace Jack Harrison, who featured from the left at Hillsborough.

LEEDS, ENGLAND – AUGUST 18: Lukas Nmecha of Leeds United celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Everton at Elland Road on August 18, 2025 in Leeds, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

Midfield

Injuries to Ao Tanaka and Ethan Ampadu decimate Leeds deep down the midfield. Sean Longstaff should grab a start against his former club and form a ‘double pivot’ alongside Ilia Gruev. Anton Stach is expected to operate as an attacking playmaker, but could also switch to a ‘number 8’ role and form a three-man midfield. Noah Okafor and Daniel James must be deployed from the wide, with Wilfried Gnonto and Brenden Aaronson could be introduced as ‘super subs’.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin was brought in from the bench against The Owls, and the former Everton ‘number 9’ might once again appear as a second-half substitute. Lukas Nmecha has failed to leave a mark since his opening gameweek winner, and the gaffer should stick with Joel Piroe up top for the time being in his starting XI.