Competition: Premier League Date: Saturday, August 30, 2025 Kickoff: 5:30 PM BST Venue: Elland Road, Leeds Team News Leeds United Leeds has a major blow with the confirmed absence of captain Ethan Ampadu, who is sidelined until after the international break with an MCL knee injury. Midfielder Ao Tanaka is also out with a knee issue. New signing Noah Okafor is a doubt after picking up a groin issue, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin is building up his fitness and could make a full debut. Newcastle United Newcastle is facing an injury crisis. Midfielder Joelinton is out with a groin injury and Sandro Tonali is a doubt with a shoulder problem. Key defender Fabian Schär is also a doubt after suffering a concussion. Anthony Gordon is suspended after his red card against Liverpool, and there is still uncertainty around the future of striker Alexander Isak. Manager & Pundit Quotes Daniel Farke (Leeds United) On the challenge: Farke has vowed that Leeds "won't sell out our DNA and park the bus" against top teams. He added that "It's our biggest test so far, we have also proven in the first game and also pre-season when we've faced sides like AC Milan or Man United or Villarreal that we are competitive.” On the home crowd: "We made Elland Road a fortress in the Championship, won many games and many points... We have a great unity in the club and a great bond with the supporters. They can be second to none... They're one of the biggest assets." Eddie Howe (Newcastle United) On his team's injury situation: Howe delivered "relatively good news" on Joelinton and Tonali, but confirmed Joelinton will miss the game. He added that Tonali is "battling to be fit." On playing at Elland Road: "I love going to Elland Road - it is a stadium full of emotion, and we'll need to use that emotion this weekend." Pundit Predictions & Analysis The Independent: "Newcastle fans will count themselves as unlucky not to have a win so far this season... Howe's side will journey south in a confident mood, assured of their own performances while having also seen Leeds' own defensive weaknesses last week." They note Newcastle have won their last eight Premier League games against promoted sides. BBC Sport: Paul Merson believes this is a game Newcastle can get their season back on track. "If Leeds come out and try to play their football at the Emirates [sic], the game will really open up for Arsenal's [sic] quality to shine through. If Leeds had lost to Everton, they would have opted to sit back but now this game is more like a free-hit to them... I'm backing Viktor Gyökeres [sic] to score... that won't be the case against Leeds." Merson's analysis seems to confuse this match with the one against Arsenal. The Guardian: The Guardian's analysis highlights Newcastle's tactical approach under Eddie Howe as being "stifling" for opponents. The article points out that Leeds's commitment to Farke's high-pressing, attacking style could be a double-edged sword: "it could create chances, but also leave them vulnerable to Newcastle's swift counter-attacks." Sports Mole: "Leeds will always back themselves in front of the Elland Road faithful and will hope to take advantage of Newcastle potentially missing a number of key players. However, the Magpies are still capable of fielding a strong lineup that should have enough quality to get the better of the Whites." They predict a 2-1 win for Newcastle. Head-to-Head Newcastle has had the better of recent Premier League meetings, going unbeaten in their last four encounters with Leeds (W1 D3). The last time the two clubs met at Elland Road was in May 2023, which ended in a 2-2 draw.   submitted by   /u/JimbobTML [link]   [comments]