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.
5. LB - Junior Firpo
The summer signing from Barcelona is still finding his feet but Firpo was brought in as the club's new first choice left back and will surely start there, meaning Stuart Dallas can stay in midfield.
6. CDM - Kalvin Phillips
Phillips is another option as a centre-back but the Yorkshire Pirlo has made his giant strides for club and country as the holding midfielder and must surely start in that position, even amidst a centre-back shortage.
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.