Go back to the 1990's and early 2000's and Leeds United against Newcastle United was always a pretty tasty clash with both sides competing for places in the Champions League.

Roll forwards to 2022 and the fortunes of both sides could not be any more different. Consider this upcoming meeting as more of a 'must win' for both sides in a bid to get themselves out of the Premier League's relegation fight.

Leeds currently sit 15th, whilst Newcastle's need for points is even greater. Sitting 19th with just one win all season, wins are desperately required for Eddie Howe's side. Marcelo Bielsa, on the other hand, can rest a little more easier thanks to a points cushion between his team and the drop-zone, and a recent upturn in form which saw The Whites claim an impressive 3-2 victory at the London Stadium last time out.

The Magpies' confidence will be far from high however, having dropped points late on against Watford last weekend. Despite being second best for the majority of the game, Howe's men took the lead through Allan Saint-Maximin with what was their only shot on target in the game, before Joao Pedro equalised for Claudio Ranieri's side with full-time looming.

The last meeting

It was an entertaining encounter at St James' Park back in September as the two teams played out a 1-1 draw.

The away side took the lead through Rafinha and should have been further ahead before Saint-Maximin came to the rescue before the break.

Newcastle may have felt that they could have won the game in the second half, but they had to settle for a point in what turned out to be Steve Bruce's penultimate home game in charge of The Magpies. 

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How to watch on Saturday

With Saturday's match kicking off at 3pm, there is no live TV broadcast in the UK.

Radio commentary will be provided by BBC Radio Leeds and BBC Radio Newcastle respectively.

Highlights will be available on the Sky Sports Football YouTube channel, as well on BBC 1 on Match of the Day later on in the evening.

Team News

Leeds are without Patrick Bamford yet again. The striker was set for a return to the side but has picked up a foot injury in the week.

Also out for the home side are Junior Firpo and Adam Forshaw, both of whom were withdrawn against The Hammers last Sunday.

Diego Llorente is available after returning from suspension.

For Newcastle, they could be without Matt Ritchie who has a knee problem and is having a late fitness test.

Also out for the long term are Federico Fernandez, Isaac Hayden and Callum Wilson.

Jamal Lewis has been back training whilst Javier Manquillo returns from suspension.

Predicted line-ups

Leeds United: Islan Meslier, Luke Ayling, Diego LlorentePascal Struijk, Stuart Dallas, Robin Koch, Raphinha, Mateusz Klich, Rodrigo, Jack Harrison, Daniel James

Newcastle United: Martin Dubravka, Kieran Trippier, Jamaal Lascelles, Fabian Schär, Paul Dummett, Sean Longstaff, Jonjo Shelvey, Joelinton, Ryan Fraser, Chris Wood, Allan Saint-Maximin

Ones to watch

For Leeds, this week's one to watch is Jack Harrison. 

Having scored a hat-trick to secure victory against West Ham United last weekend, the former Manchester City wide man will be full of confidence.

Harrison was on the scoresheet in last season's 5-2 victory over The Magpies at Elland Road and he will be fancying goals again given his recent form. 

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Newcastle's one to watch is Chris Wood, who is set to make his second appearance for the club since joining from Burnley.

It could be a great occasion for the New Zealand international to make his first away appearance for his new team as he goes back to face his former employers in West Yorkshire.

Wood was Leeds and the Championship's top scorer in the 2016/17 season, and he is a player who has history in this fixture as The Whites did a 'smash and grab job' on Newcastle in April 2017 on Tyneside.

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