Both sides are still seeking their first victory of the 2021-22 top-flight campaign and Leeds will be looking to bounce back from Sunday's 3-0 reverse at home to Liverpool.
The Whites lost Diego Llorente to injury against the Reds as part of a contest in which fellow centre-back Pascal Struijk was shown a straight red card, for which he is now serving a three-game ban.
Another centre back, Robin Koch, has also been out injured with a pelvic issue whilst Adam Forshaw missed the Liverpool game with a muscular injury.
Whites head coach Marcelo Bielsa confirmed at Thursday's pre-match press conference that Forshaw, Koch and Llorente would all miss the trip to St James' Park, in addition to the banned Struijk, and this is how we think the Whites will line up.
7. CM - Stuart Dallas
United's player of the year can line up anywhere you like but centre midfield looks best. Mateusz Klich is another leading option there - or at no 10.
8. RW - Raphinha
Deadline day signing Dan James will be pushing for a start but not at Brazilian star winger Raphinha's expense and Bielsa seems intent on keeping Raphinha out wide as opposed to switching him to a no 10.
9. LW - Jack Harrison
Harrison started on the left wing for Sunday's 3-0 defeat at home to Liverpool and was replaced in the 68th minute by summer signing Dan James who will be pushing hard for a start but might have to once again settle for a place on the bench.
10. ACM - Rodrigo
United's record signing was subbed at the break for Tyler Roberts against Liverpool but Bielsa again gave the Spaniard huge backing at his pre-match press conference and he once again looks all set to line up as United's no 10.
11. ST - Patrick Bamford
Suggestions that Bamford might have a hamstring issue following the Liverpool reverse proved wide of the mark and the recently capped new England international will clearly lead the line. Bamford is a strong favourite to score first.
12. Sub - Kristoffer Klaesson
The summer signing is United's clear second choice 'keeper. Picture by LUFC.