Newcastle United head into their final game of 2022 in third place in the League and as one of the most in-form teams of the year – their opponents, Leeds United are facing an uncertain future in 15th place – The New Year’s Eve clash will take place at St James’ Park at 3pm.
Newcastle will be buoyed by their demolition of Leicester City on Boxing Day where they made light work of their opposition. Conversely, Leeds had to wait a couple more days for their league comeback and had to deal with Manchester City and a resurgent Erling Haaland.
Not just in terms of form, but rest, Newcastle have the advantage having not played since Monday, Leeds’ last game was Wednesday. Then there’s the home advantage too. All signs point to a Newcastle win – which is exactly why Eddie Howe needs to guard against complacency.
Not that I think for one second that’ll be a problem, Eddie Howe is very good at managing expectations and keeping his, and his players’ feet on the floor.
In terms of the line-up, I think Howe will stick to the eleven that started against Leicester. Callum Wilson is back in training after his illness, but I think Howe’s press conference hinted at Chris Wood keeping his place with Wilson on the bench – a sort of “in emergency break glass” role. He’ll be needed more when we face Arsenal next week.
Also, after the way they started against Leicester, why would you change it up?
I’m predicting an easy win for Newcastle for this one, there are too many things going in Newcastle’s favour for it to go the other way for me, the atmosphere is going to be electric too and that will certainly help the lads out.
Score prediction: Newcastle 4-0 Leeds