Newcastle United face their biggest test of the EFL Championship title run-in when they face 5th placed Leeds United at the St. James’ Park this weekend.
It is a huge game for both the teams, as a positive result could go a long way in defining their season come the end.
Newcastle were firm favourites for the title until they suffered a setback over the weekend when they lost to Sheffield Wednesday, allowing Brighton & Hove Albion to move to the top of the table. With just 5 games left to play, there is no room for more missteps for the Magpies.
On the other hand, Leeds managed to arrest a downslide on Saturday when they came out triumphant against Preston North End, after having tasted defeat in their two previous Championship encounters. Garry Monk’s side still find themselves at 5th place, but are putting the pressure on Reading, who are a point and a place above the Whites and also on third-placed Huddersfield Town who are 2 points ahead.
Considering the importance of the tie for both the teams, we pick out 3 key battles that could decide the outcome of the game.
In recent weeks, Matt Ritchie has been the difference maker for Newcastle United. The former Bournemouth winger has had a wonderful debut season with the Magpies and has managed to chalk up 11 goals and 7 assists so far this season from 39 Championship appearances. He has been in hot form recently, having netted twice in the last three games.
He will be up against Leeds full-back Gaetano Berardi, who has managed to push highly-rated left-back Charlie Taylor out of the playing XI. The 28-year old, who can play in either full-back positions has been a steady presence at the back for the Whites and his solidity along with his surging runs forward have been a key contributor in recent weeks.
With Ritchie’s goal-scoring form and Berardi’s reliable performance at the back, we are in for an intense battle within the war, that can have a huge say on the result of the game.
The Championship’s leading goal-scorer going up against one of the best defenders in the Championship this season – the battle is going to be entertaining without a doubt.
Chris Wood has been absolutely sensational for Leeds United this season and has on quite a few occasions has dragged his team across the line over the course of this term. The New Zealand international has netted an amazing 24 goals in the English second-tier this term from 38 games. But he hasn’t been in top form of late and hasn’t scored in the last 3 games for the Whites and will be raring to go against Newcastle.
He will be up against Newcastle United captain Jamaal Lascelles who has, to many people’s surprise, has performed admirably for the Tyneside outfit this term. The 23-year old has really grown into a leader under Rafael Benitez and it shows on the field that he is looking to lead from the front. He too will be itching to make things right after the loss to Sheffield.
Whoever manages to come out on top in this battle, will give his team a huge advantage in the game.
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