Newcastle United Aim for Back-to-Back Wins at Elland Road
Newcastle United head to Elland Road on Monday night with momentum in their pockets and a clear target in mind: back‑to‑back away wins and another statement in the Premier League.
Matthias Jaissle’s side edged Millwall 1-0 on the road in their last outing, a grind of a victory that tends to tighten belief inside a dressing room. Now comes a different kind of test against Leeds United, in a stadium that feeds off noise and nerves in equal measure.
Jaissle is expected to stick with his preferred 4-2-3-1, but not with the same names. Malick Thiaw and Anthony Elanga are both in line to step in from the start, fresh legs for what could turn into a frantic night in West Yorkshire.
Defence: Hornicek Keeps the Gloves
Lukas Hornicek did everything asked of him at Millwall, and that clean sheet should be enough to keep him between the posts. He will need to be sharp again; Elland Road rarely allows visiting goalkeepers a quiet evening.
In front of him, Malick Thiaw is tipped to come into the heart of defence alongside Sven Botman. Thiaw’s aggression and Botman’s composure give Newcastle a physically imposing pairing, one built to deal with aerial bombardment and quick counters alike.
Out wide, there is a small question mark. Amar Dedic is a slight concern going into the game, but if he’s passed fit he will take his place at right-back, tasked with both shutting down Leeds’ flank and providing a quick outlet on the break. On the opposite side, Lewis Hall will look to make that left-back slot feel like his own, balancing his natural urge to attack with the discipline Jaissle demands.
Fabian Schar is expected to start on the bench, a reliable option if Newcastle need to tighten up late on or reshuffle at the back.
Midfield: Steel and Spark
The engine room looks set to be anchored by Nico Gonzalez and Jacob Ramsey. Their job is simple in theory, brutal in practice: win duels, control the rhythm, and turn scrappy midfield ball into meaningful possession.
Ahead of them, Newcastle’s attacking three carries both flair and responsibility. Harvey Barnes from the left, Joe Willock through the middle, and Anthony Elanga on the right should form the line just behind the striker. Barnes will look to drift inside and test Leeds from distance, Willock will drive beyond the forward with those late, surging runs, and Elanga’s pace offers an obvious outlet whenever Newcastle spring forward.
All three will have to hit a high level if Newcastle are to silence Elland Road. This is the band Jaissle will rely on to turn territory into chances.
Lewis Miley and Jacob Murphy are likely to wait their turn on the bench, potential impact substitutes if the game opens up after the break. Miley’s composure and Murphy’s direct running could both become valuable in the final stages.
Attack: Wissa Leads the Charge
Up front, Yoane Wissa is set to lead the line. His movement across the front, his willingness to drag centre-backs into awkward areas, and his work without the ball will be vital in unsettling Leeds’ back four. He doesn’t just need a chance; he needs to live in those dangerous pockets where one mistake turns into a goal.
Matias Fernandez-Pardo is expected to start among the substitutes, a possible late-game weapon if Newcastle chase a winner or look to stretch a tiring defence in the final quarter.
Jaissle has his structure. Newcastle have their confidence. Now they walk into Elland Road to find out if this version of the Magpies can turn a hard-fought away win into a genuine run.
