Preview: Newcastle face key test at Elland Road against newly promoted Leeds | OneFootball

Eddie Howe’s side travel to Elland Road following a narrow 3-2 defeat to Liverpool and an opening-day goalless draw with Aston Villa.

The Magpies will be looking to regain rhythm and momentum, but a series of setbacks means Howe must make swift adjustments to his line-up.

Leeds United, meanwhile, have endured a difficult start themselves. Their Carabao Cup exit to Sheffield Wednesday came embarrassingly after a penalty shoot-out in which neither side managed to convert.

That result followed a heavy 5-0 defeat to Arsenal, piling pressure on the team to respond in front of their home crowd.

Fitness updates for both sides

The absence of Anthony Gordon, who begins a three-match suspension after his red card against Liverpool, adds to Newcastle’s selection challenges.

Fitness doubts also surround Fabian Schär, Sandro Tonali, and Joelinton, leaving the squad stretched in key areas.

In attack, relative newcomer Will Osula is expected to lead the line in Gordon’s absence, with Nick Woltemade’s registration from Stuttgart unlikely to be completed in time.

Midfield reinforcements could come from new signing Jacob Ramsey and academy graduate Lewis Miley, both in contention to cover for Tonali and Joelinton.

At the back, Malik Thiaw is likely to feature after Schär’s injury forced him off in agony during the Liverpool clash.

Howe admitted this week that his squad “feels better prepared” despite the absences, but acknowledged the challenge ahead as Newcastle search for their first win of the campaign.

Leeds don’t have as many selection issues and will be looking to bounce back from last weekend.

New signing James Justin is expected to start, along with Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who will make his first Premier League appearance for Leeds. Manager Daniel Farke expressed his satisfaction with the forward ahead of the match.

Predicted Lineups:

Newcastle United: Pope, Hall, Burn, Thiaw, Livramento, Miley, Ramsey, Guimaraes, Elanga, Barnes, Osula

Leeds United: Perri, Bogle, Rodon, Struijk, Gudmundsson; Stach, Gruev, Longstaff, James, Piroe, Gnonto

How to watch:

You can watch the game on Sky Sports, Sky Sports Main Event, and Sky Sports Premier League at 5:30 pm on Saturday afternoon.