Leeds v Newcastle preview: Home side set to be without Pablo Hernandez for Toon test
Sunday 20 November 2016 18:23, UK
Leeds are expected to be without midfielder Pablo Hernandez for their home game against Sky Bet Championship leaders Newcastle, live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 1pm on Sunday.
Hernandez sustained a minor hamstring strain in the win at Norwich before the international break and is rated doubtful.
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But winger Stuart Dallas is hoping to return to contention. The Northern Ireland international has been sidelined since early October with a calf injury.
Eunan O'Kane has been nursing a groin problem but will be available, while fellow midfielder Liam Bridcutt (foot) is edging closer to a return to action having been out since mid-September.
Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez will be able to welcome back Scotland winger Matt Ritchie from suspension as he goes in search of a ninth successive win in all competitions.
Ritchie sat out the 2-1 home win over Cardiff last time out courtesy of a one-match ban after reaching five bookings for the campaign.
He could be joined too by midfielder Jonjo Shelvey, who is available after denying a Football Association misconduct charge and requesting a personal hearing.
Dwight Gayle was an unused substitute for the Cardiff game after shaking off a hamstring problem, while fellow striker Daryl Murphy missed out on international duty with the Republic of Ireland as he continued his recovery from a calf injury, but winger Rolando Aarons is likely to be absent for the rest of the season after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in training.
Opta stats
Leeds haven't beaten Newcastle at Elland Road in a league game since September 1999 in a Premier League fixture, losing three and drawing one since.
The Magpies have won seven of their last nine games against Leeds in all competitions (D1 L1), most recently a 2-0 win in the League Cup third round in September 2013 at St. James' Park.
Newcastle United have converted 13.8% of their total shots into goals this season in the Championship; a higher ratio than any other team.
Chris Wood has scored in six of his last seven appearances at Elland Road in all competitions.
The Magpies have won 37 points after 16 games this season; their best start to a campaign since accruing 39 points in 1995/96.
Only Brighton (26) and Newcastle (25) have picked up more points in the last 10 games than Leeds (22).
Prutton's prediction
This is a score draw for me. If Newcastle had played this fixture six or seven weeks ago, it would have been a straightforward win, but there's a real doggedness and determination about Leeds at the moment and they have a nice bit of quality.
If they play, I think both Chris Wood and Dwight Gayle can see it as a great opportunity to get on the scoresheet.
PRUTTON PREDICTS: 2-2 (Sky Bet odds 14/1)
