Newcastle v Leeds preview
The Magpies secured just two points from three matches over the festive period, including a 1-0 home defeat to Blackburn, but were back to their best at St Mary's.
Newcastle have no injury worries for the visit of The Whites and manager Sir Bobby Robson is likely to name an unchanged side with Kieron Dyer playing in an advanced role.
An early Mark Viduka goal supplemented by a late Alan Smith strike earned Leeds an unlikely victory on Tyneside last season, and despite the Yorkshire side's lowly position Robson is warning his side against complacency.
"Leeds have had a tough season and they are fighting for survival, but I saw them play Arsenal and for 20 minutes they were the better side," said Robson. "We had a good result at the weekend, but we can't be over-confident."
Eddie Gray is set to recall experienced defender Gary Kelly for the trip to Newcastle after a scan on a foot injury returned negative.
It had been thought the 29-year-old would need a week of training to recover, but with Laurent Robert in blistering form he has been recalled.
The Irishman was forced out of the side's 4-1 FA Cup loss to Arsenal, and was replaced by Frazer Richardson who is now set to make way.
Leeds won their last trip to Newcastle, however Robson's men have proved tricky opponents winning three of the last five clashes along with a 2-2 draw at Elland Road earlier this season.
| Team | Newcastle United | Leeds United |
| Games Played | 19 | 19 |
| Attacking | | |
| Goals Scored | 26 | 18 |
| Ave Goals per game | 1.37 | 0.95 |
| Shooting Accuracy | 44% | 41% |
| Goals to Shots % | 13% | 12% |
| Passes | | |
| Passes | 7,414 | 5,957 |
| Pass Completion % | 74% | 70% |
| Defending | | |
| Tackle Success Rate % | 73% | 71% |
| Goals Conceded | 22 | 40 |
| Ave goals conceded per game | 1.16 | 2.11 |
| Discipline | | |
| Fouls | 256 | 301 |
| Yellow Cards | 27 | 47 |
| Red Cards | 2 | 2 |
 | ||
