Leeds United v Newcastle United: Big match preview

Leeds United v Huddersfield Town. United's Pontus Jansson. .10th September 2016. Picture : Jonathan Gawthorpe

KEY BATTLE

Dwight Gayle v Pontus Jansson: Aleksandar Mitrovic has been Newcastle’s chief goal-getter of late – with four goals in his last three games – but Gayle is the Championship’s leading scorer with 11 goals. United’s defence has been massively improved since the arrival of six-foot-five Swedish international centre-back Jansson but Sunday’s Magpies showdown presents the acid test for both Jansson and Kyle Bartley.

KEY MAN

Jonjo Shelvey: Has to be him in light of the controversy over his appearance at Elland Road, with Shelvey pleading not guilty to a charge from the FA of using abusive language towards an opponent. Midfielder Shelvey has six caps for England and looks sure to play a key part.

LAST TIME

Capital One Cup – Wednesday, September 25, 2013: Newcastle United 2 (Cisse 31, Gouffran 67) Leeds United 0.

EXPERT VIEW

Lee Sobot says: “The acid test for Leeds against a team destined for the Premier. With Liam Bridcutt still sidelined, the Whites could do with Eunan O’Kane being fit to lend his experience alongside one of Kalvin Phillips or Ronaldo Vieira in midfield. But either way, Leeds are in flying form and with a big crowd behind them there is no reason why they can’t take a positive result from the game.”

BETTING

Odds: Home win – 10-3; Draw – 28-11; Away win – evens.