Match Overview
Newcastle United welcome Leeds United to St. James’ Park for a midweek Premier League fixture that could shape momentum for both sides. Newcastle enter with steady home output and a full squad, aiming to convert pressure into points. Leeds arrive unbeaten in five, combining discipline with enough cutting edge to trouble hosts. The reverse meeting ended goalless in August 2025, adding intrigue to a matchup often decided by fine margins.
- Fixture: Newcastle United vs Leeds United
- Competition: Premier League
- Venue: St. James’ Park
- Date: 07-01-2026
- Kickoff: 20:15 GMT / 20:15 UTC
Predicted Lineups
Newcastle United
- N. Pope
- M. Thiaw
- F. Schär
- L. Hall
- H. Ashby
- Bruno Guimarães
- S. Tonali
- Joelinton
- L. Miley
- H. Barnes
- A. Gordon
Leeds United
- Lucas Perri
- G. Gudmundsson
- E. Ampadu
- P. Struijk
- J. Bogle
- A. Stach
- B. Aaronson
- A. Tanaka
- I. Gruev
- L. Nmecha
- D. Calvert-Lewin
Injury & Suspension Report
Newcastle United
- None
Leeds United
- None
Head-to-Head
Recent meetings have tended to be tight, with low scoring and controlled phases from both teams. Across 82 historical clashes, Newcastle lead with 33 wins, Leeds have 28, and 21 have ended level. The most recent league encounter in August 2025 finished 0-0, underlining the fine margins between the sides.
Match Analysis & Prediction
Newcastle’s home edge and attacking intent
Newcastle’s recent home displays point to a side comfortable imposing tempo at St. James’ Park. They have scored 10 across their last five home matches and played out a 2-2 in their most recent outing, reflecting a willingness to attack while maintaining structure. A fully available squad offers tactical variety, with Bruno Guimarães and Sandro Tonali guiding progression and Joelinton adding physical presence. Wide threats Harvey Barnes and Anthony Gordon should target quick transitions, with the hosts eager to break lines and sustain pressure.
Leeds’ form line and Calvert-Lewin’s threat
Leeds are unbeaten in five (one win, four draws), scoring nine in that stretch and showing resolve with a goalless draw against Liverpool last time out. Their approach blends disciplined defensive shape with coordinated pressing, which can disrupt Newcastle’s build-up if executed cleanly. Dominic Calvert-Lewin remains a focal point after eight league goals this season and three in his last three across all competitions, supported by creators such as Brenden Aaronson and a hard-working midfield unit of A. Stach, A. Tanaka, and I. Gruev.
Control vs transitions and where this could be decided
The midfield battle may define game flow. Newcastle will look to control central zones through Bruno Guimarães and Tonali, then release runners quickly. Leeds aim to compress space and counter through direct passes into Calvert-Lewin or combinations with L. Nmecha, while full-backs J. Bogle and G. Gudmundsson provide width when opportunities arise. Given the low-scoring trend between these sides, the first goal carries added weight.
Set pieces and goalkeeper reliability could be decisive in a contest of narrow margins. Nick Pope’s handling and Lucas Perri’s shot-stopping may both be tested during momentum swings. With Newcastle’s home impetus balanced by Leeds’ recent consistency and compact shape, a tight scoreline is likely.
Prediction: Draw, 1-1.