Neither Leeds United nor Newcastle can afford to miss out on the three points on offer at Elland Road today, for vastly different reasons. While Sam Allardyce's men know they must claim a win which will give them a big boost in their fight against relegation from the Premier League, Eddie Howe and Newcastle are looking to secure a top-four spot and Champions League football next season.
Both sides suffered defeat against the top two sides in the division last time out, Leeds narrowly losing 2-1 at leaders Manchester City, while Arsenal maintained their title interest with a 2-0 win at St James' Park. That was only the Magpies' fifth defeat in the league so far, and they will be looking to make a statement today.
Howe has options to consider should he decide to make a change up front, but is thin on the ground when it comes to the midfield. Sean Longstaff has seen a specialist over a foot injury picked up in Newcastle's 4-1 win at Everton and will be sidelined again today in what is a big blow to the Magpies.
