Despite Leeds United’s position in the league table, a trip to Elland Road on Saturday will not be an easy match for any side.
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Newcastle United will be eager to bounce back from recent setback when they travel to Leeds United for an intriguing Premier League battle. The Magpies were beaten by Arsenal in their last match, which has created some concerns among the supporters about their ability to finish in the top four places. Having said that Newcastle are still in a good position to seal Champions League football for next season, as they are sitting third in the table. With not many games left to play, every point counts for Newcastle.
Despite Leeds United’s position in the league table, a trip to Elland Road on Saturday will not be an easy match for any side. Ahead of such a tricky contest, Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe gave a squad update, as he spoke mainly about two players. Speaking about Sean Longstaff, Howe, quoted by their club’s website, said, “He went to see a specialist. I think there was a few concerns about maybe some structural damage in his foot which there wasn’t, which is good news, but there is a bit of damage to one of the ligaments. He’s being re-scanned today actually, which we hope will show an improvement.”
“It’s slightly unclear when he will be back – it’s not a long-term issue at all, but it’s whether we can get him back before the end of the season. We’ve missed him a lot. I’ve always said this season that he goes under the radar in terms of what he gives the team tactically, technically and physically. I think he’s a high-level player and he’s got a really good football brain. I think we’ve missed those qualities that he has but as always you have to adapt when someone’s missing, and I believe we have the players to cover. Matt (Ritchie) has picked up a knee injury – I don’t think it’s too bad, but I think it will keep him out for the rest of the season.”
The upcoming game will see a mini reunion, with former Newcastle United manager Sam Allardyce taking on them with his new side Leeds United. His first match in charge of Leeds was a narrow defeat to defending champions Manchester City. Speaking about that game and what to expect from his side, Howe said, “I think we saw enough to say that that’s going to be what Sam’s going to give the team – a clear organisation, a clear structure, a definite philosophy in and out of possession – so for us watching it back tactically you could see the impact he’s had on the team in a very short period of time.”
“They’re going to be tough to play against, they’re going to ask questions of our back four, and we need to find the answers to those. Set plays are going to be a big threat – they’re going to be very potent in that area of the game – so again we’re going to have to be good, as we have been for the majority of the season in that respect. It’ll be, I think, a totally different test to the one it could have been a couple of weeks earlier.”
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