Newcastle United round off an eventful 2022 on the final day of the year when Leeds United visit St James Park.
For Eddie Howe’s side, the aims are all too clear as they look to continue their impressive form and continue challenging for a place in European competition next season. The Magpies temporarily moved into second place in the Premier League table on Boxing Day when Chris Wood, Miguel Almiron and Joelinton all found the net in a 3-0 win at Leicester City.
But Howe’s men slipped to third when Erling Haaland’s brace inspired Manchester City to a 3-1 away win at Leeds and ensured they leapfrogged Newcastle to reclaim their place at the front of the pack behind leaders Arsenal. The defeat against Pep Guardiola’s side has left Leeds nervously looking over their shoulders at the relegation zone and they head to Tyneside sat just two points and three places above the bottom three.
Manager Jesse Marsch has spoken of a need to make changes to his side as he contends with a hectic fixture schedule ahead of the visit to St James Park. NewcastleWorld assesses what changes could be made as we predict the starting eleven he could name on Saturday afternoon.
1. Leeds United's US head coach Jesse Marsch reacts during the English Premier League football match between Leeds United and Manchester City at Elland Road in Leeds, northern England on December 28, 2022. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch. (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
2. GK: Illan Meslier
There were some doubts over the availability of the French stopper for the defeat against Manchester City - but he was named in the starting eleven and will keep his place for the visit to Tyneside. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
3. RB: Rasmus Kristensen
The on-loan full-back has been a regular in Marsch’s side even since joining from RB Salzburg during the summer. Photo: Stu Forster
4. CB: Robin Koch
The German international joined a long line of defender to fall victim to Erling Haaland on Wednesday and will be hoping to put in an improved performance at St James Park. Photo: OLI SCARFF