Newcastle United can take a giant stride back towards the Premier League when they host fellow promotion hopefuls Leeds United on Friday evening.
Newcastle were beaten last time out away at Sheffield Wednesday, with Jonjo Shelvey scoring a consolation effort.
They are well placed despite the defeat and hold a 10 point advantage over third placed Huddersfield Town, who do have a game in hand.
Leeds United are five clear in the play-offs, having recorded a much needed victory at home to Preston North End.
The former Swansea City midfielder Pablo Hernandez was among the scorers as they eased to a 3-0 win.
Championship form: Newcastle United W2 D1 L2; Leeds United W2 D1 L2
Championship top scorers
Newcastle United – Dwight Gayle 22 goals
Leeds United – Chris Wood 24 goals
Match history
Newcastle recorded a comfortable 2-0 win at Elland Road earlier in the season, with Dwight Gayle among the scorers.
That was their first league meeting in 13 years, since the pair lined up in the Premier League!
Last five league meetings (Premier League unless stated)
Leeds United 0 Newcastle United 2 (Championship) – 20/11/16
Newcastle United 1 Leeds United 0 – 07/01/04
Leeds United 2 Newcastle United 2 – 17/08/03
Leeds United 0 Newcastle United 3 – 22/02/03
Newcastle United 0 Leeds United 2 – 11/09/02
Under 2.5 goals – 4/5 with Paddy Power
Team news
Newcastle’s top scorer Gayle is likely to miss out here after he was forced off against Sheffield Wednesday last time out.
They are also set to be without Jack Colback, with Mohammed Diame dropping deeper in the midfield.
Liam Cooper will serve the third of a six game ban here for Leeds United!
Liam Bridcutt though could return to the side having suffered with an Achilles issue.
Expected starting XI’s
Newcastle United (4-2-3-1): Darlow; Anita, Lascelles, Mbemba, Dummett; Diame, Shelvey; Ritchie, Perez, Gouffran; Murphy
Leeds United (4-2-3-1): Green; Ayling, Bartley, Jansson, Berardi; Bridcutt, Phillips; Roofe, Hernandez, Alfonso; Wood
Predictions
Result: Newcastle United (4/6 with Bet 365)
Correct Score: 2-0 (7/1 with Paddy Power)
Anytime Goalscorer: Daryl Murphy (11/8 with Bet 365)
