Steve Bruce reflects on Newcastle United being "right in it" at Elland Road ahead of Leeds United rematch facing "unbelievable" Marcelo Bielsa

Bruce's Newcastle United side will take on Leeds for the second time this season in this evening's Premier League clash at St James' Park which the Magpies approach having gone ten games without a victory.

That run started with December's 5-2 loss in the reverse fixture against Marcelo Bielsa's Whites at Elland Road in which Leeds netted three goals in the last 13 minutes through Stuart Dallas, Gjanni Alioski and Jack Harrison.

Bruce felt his side were "right in it" and says his decision to take off both Joelinton and Ryan Fraser for Miguel Almiron and Dwight Gayle in search of victory opened his side up en route to defeat.

The Newcastle boss said he now expects another stern examination against Leeds and is a big admirer of United's displays upon their Premier League return and their Argentinian head coach.

"We were two each with 12 minutes to go and I have made two substitutions to try and win the game and opened us up slightly," said Bruce, reflecting on December's clash at Elland Road.

"We were right in it that night.

"Leeds have been a breath of fresh air this year so I expect another tough game."

Asked about Leeds themselves being on a poor run of late, Bruce said: "That's how difficult the Premier League is.

"Leeds, I have seen them a couple of year ago and the guy in charge is unbelievable at what he has achieved and different so you take a unique situation, they are different to everybody else.

"I haven't been really concentrating on their results, I have had enough to think about myself but I know them coming to town tomorrow it is going to be a difficult game."

https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/our-difficulties-are-just-present-theirs-marcelo-bielsa-focused-leeds-uniteds-problems-and-not-newcastle-uniteds-3112265

https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/yorkshire-evening-post-launch-leeds-united-only-digital-subscription-ahead-premier-league-campaign-2967964

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Thank you Laura Collins