There’s a ‘bigger problem’ for Newcastle as Paul Merson predicts Leeds vs Newcastle match
The opening weeks of the Premier League season can often feel like a puzzle, where early results don’t always tell the full story. For Newcastle United, that has certainly been the case.
Despite having zero wins from their first two matches, the performances have been full of promise, fight, and enough quality to suggest that the first victory is just around the corner.
However, as they prepare for a tricky away match against Leeds United this weekend, a growing list of absentees is threatening to disrupt their momentum at the worst possible time.
The Magpies delivered a display of real character in their last outing against Liverpool. Even after going down to ten men and conceding two early goals, they fought back to level the score and were desperately unlucky to lose to a last-gasp winner.
It was a performance that deserved more, and it proved that the spirit within the squad is as strong as ever. But that effort came at a cost.
Anthony Gordon, who had been leading the line in place of the absent Alexander Isak, was shown a red card and will now be suspended for the next three matches.
To make matters worse, midfielders Joelinton and Sandro Tonali both had to leave the pitch with injuries, casting doubt over their availability for the trip to Elland Road.
This sudden shortage of options has not gone unnoticed by pundits. Former Arsenal star Paul Merson has weighed in with his prediction for the game, and he believes Newcastle’s selection problems will be the deciding factor.
While he was full of praise for their performance against Liverpool, he pointed out that missing so many key players at once is a “bigger problem” than many realize.
He specifically mentioned that young striker William Osula, who came off the bench to score against Liverpool, might not yet be ready for the week-in, week-out demands of the Premier League.
As a result, Merson is predicting a 1-1 draw, feeling that Leeds will be able to capitalize on Newcastle’s weakened state.
He is not alone in this view. Fellow pundit Gary Neville has also suggested that a draw is the most likely outcome, highlighting how difficult it can be to go to a place like Elland Road without a full-strength squad.
Leeds, under manager Daniel Farke, will be eager to bounce back after a disappointing loss to Sheffield Wednesday in the Carabao Cup, and they will see Newcastle’s injuries as a golden opportunity to claim a positive result.
History offers a mixed bag for Newcastle fans looking for optimism. The last time they won at Elland Road was under Eddie Howe back in January 2022 a narrow 1-0 victory that proved crucial in their successful battle against relegation that season.
Before that, you have to go back to 2016, when Dwight Gayle scored twice in a Championship fixture. The most recent meeting between the two sides ended in a 2-2 draw, with Callum Wilson scoring both goals for Newcastle.
That history shows that this has never been an easy place for Newcastle to visit. Add in the current injury crisis, and it’s clear why many are predicting a tough afternoon.
However, this is also a chance for other players to step up. The likes of Elliot Anderson, Lewis Miley, or even the newly-signed Jacob Ramsey could be called upon to make a difference in midfield.
For Eddie Howe, it’s a test of his squad’s depth and resilience a challenge this group has overcome before. While a point away from home might not be the worst result, everyone connected with Newcastle will be hoping that the team’s fighting spirit can somehow secure all three.