A solid 3-0 win over Preston North End has strengthened Leeds’ position in the play-off places, allowing them to head to St James’ Park for Friday’s clash with Newcastle in great spirits.
The wheels rather came off Newcastle’s title challenge at Sheffield Wednesday over the weekend after a poor performance and the disappointing 2-1 defeat left them at 2nd place, 2 points behind Brighton.
With the pressure on the home side, Leeds will feel they have every chance of beating Rafa Benitez’ men in their own backyard. And so here are two crucial things Newcastle can do to achieve victory against the odds.
With a club-high 8 assists and an absolutely massive 2.7 key passes delivered per game, Pablo Hernandez is by far Leeds’ most creative player. Hernandez is extremely cultured and, in terms of control, passing, and positional skills, he is still very much a player of Premier League quality.
However, like every player, Hernandez has his weaknesses. He was not as effective as usual in the cut-and-thrust games away to Reading and Brentford because he was afforded less time on the ball in those contests.
It’s probably no coincidence. So Newcastle would do very well to ensure that they start fast and hustle the opposition. When Hernandez gets good possession, he generally creates something with it.
Pressing Hernandez when he has the ball would be the obvious choice, but charging down everyone and passing the ball to retain possession will go a long way towards Newcastle denying Leeds the time on the ball they need.
Chris Wood has been in stunning form and is so important to Leeds United. With 24 goals in 36 starts, Wood is easily one of the best strikers in this division and is looking at Premier League football next season one way or the other.
Should Wood see enough time on the ball and if enough chances come his way, he will provide the finishing touches which would seal this game for the Elland Road side. However, there is a flaw in that plan.
Wood is not the type of player who will pick up the ball deep, take on 5 Newcastle players and bury a 30-yeard curler into the top corner. He’s a deadly finisher, but a kind of striker who needs to be supplied. The fast tempo mentioned above and less possession to Leeds than usual would be enough to make Wood starve. From there, Shelvey, Ritchie, and co can do the rest.
Experiencing a live football match in a stadium is genuinely remarkable. The atmosphere differs significantly from watching on a screen. The energy and excitement are contagious, immersing you in the game like never before. If you're gearing up for your inaugural football match, knowing what to expect is essential. The sheer intensity of being surrounded by hundreds or thousands of passionate fans can be overwhelming. To ensure you make the most of this unique experience, here are some tips for first-timers: Secure Tickets Early Getting tickets is crucial, especially for popular events like the World Cup or highly anticipated matches. Buying online is often the most convenient method. As the season progresses, ticket demand increases, leading to quick sell-outs. Prices can vary based on team popularity, stadium quality, and other factors. You can think about buying your tickets in cryptocurrency. Consider using USDT but first understand tether meaning to know how to go about it. If you have a specific team or player you want to see, plan accordingly by checking their schedule and securing tickets early for the best experience. …
FRANCE WIN 14-0 🤯Les Bleus score 14 (FOURTEEN) times vs. Gibraltar for their biggest-ever win.…
Aston Villa are having a very fine season so far in the Premier League. The…
The Premier League run-in, the backend of the title race for Manchester City sees them…
Everton is having a bad season so far, from their poor form in the league…
Communication is the heartbeat of any successful soccer team. On the field, amidst the flurry…