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Kieran King

Leeds United and Newcastle United combined XI with Raphinha, Patrick Bamford included

Leeds United will be looking to secure their third successive Premier League victory for the first time this season when they host Newcastle United this afternoon.

The Whites returned to winning ways when they recorded a 3-1 success over Burnley earlier this month, before beating West Ham United 3-2 last time out.

Meanwhile, opponents Newcastle are still searching for their first away win of the campaign as they try and close the gap on 17th-place Norwich City towards the foot of the division.

The two sides drew 1-1 in the reverse fixture back in September, as Raphinha's early opener was cancelled out by Allan Saint-Maximim's solo strike in what was a closely-fought encounter at St James' Park.

Ahead of the game, Leeds Live have taken a look at a combined XI from both teams, which includes those who are currently out injured.

Goalkeeper - Illan Meslier

With Freddie Woodman, Karl Darlow and Martin Dubravka often sharing the responsibility in goal this season, the Magpies have found it tough to find a regular first-choice stopper.

Dubravka has cemented himself in the side in recent weeks, but he hasn't been able to turn around Newcastle's defensive issues, conceding 13 goals in their last five league matches.

Meanwhile, Leeds 'keeper Illan Meslier has been in impressive form this season and is one of the division's most promising young players, earning plenty of respect from his peers, including Aaron Ramsdale last month.

Defence - Kieran Trippier, Diego Llorente, Pascal Struijk, Jamal Lewis

Having signed from Atletico Madrid earlier in the transfer window, Kieran Trippier has gained a vast amount of experience throughout his career, winning the La Liga title and also reaching the Champions League final in 2019.

He is the right-back, while Leeds duo Diego Llorente and Pascal Struijk would be the centre-back pairing after impressing in last weekend's win over West Ham and they were both pivotal in the Whites' success last term.

Diego Llorente has made a massive difference to the Leeds United side since returning from injury. (Getty Images)

Jamal Lewis, though, has been a big miss to Newcastle since he suffered a hamstring injury in the 3-1 defeat at Liverpool in December but he showed signs of promise during Eddie Howe's first few games in charge.

Midfield - Raphinha, Adam Forshaw, Kalvin Phillips, Allan Saint-Maximim

With 14 goals and 12 assists in 51 Premier League appearances since signing from Rennes, Raphinha's performances has attracted the attention of many clubs across Europe, including Liverpool and Bayern Munich.

He has been in excellent form this season and would slot onto the right side of the team, with Leeds teammates Kalvin Phillips and Adam Forshaw in the centre of the park.

Although the Whites pair are currently out injured, they have been a big miss to the Leeds side and Bielsa will be keen to get them back sooner rather than later.

Meanwhile, Allan Saint-Maximim has scored in his last two league matches and has been integral to the Newcastle team following his move from Nice in 2019, popping up with some vital moments.

Allan Saint-Maximin scored in the reverse fixture at St James' Park earlier this season. (Getty Images)

Forward - Callum Wilson, Patrick Bamford

Like Saint-Maximim, Wilson has been an important part of the Magpies set-up and his absence has been felt up front after he picked up a calf injury in the 1-1 draw with Manchester United.

The 29-year-old is still Newcastle's top scorer with six goals despite missing a number of matches but he has demonstrated his quality inside the box to make the team.

The same could be said about Bamford, who is also out with a foot issue and it has been a frustrating season for the England international, who had recovered from ankle and hamstring injuries.

But Bamford scored 17 times in 38 appearances, earning him a place in the Three Lions squad earlier this term and he will be keen to get back to action and help his team to a positive finish.

The Leeds and Newcastle combined XI in full (4-4-2): Meslier; Trippier, Llorente, Struijk, Lewis; Raphinha, Phillips, Forshaw, Saint-Maximim; Wilson, Bamford

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