After kicking off 2026 with Sunday's 2-0 win over Crystal Palace, this is a big chance to make it three wins in a row for the first time this season - but it won't be easy.
Should we win? Yes. And we'll have hopefully taken confidence from back-to-back wins, our first clean sheet in 13 games, nine wins from our last 11 at St James' Park and the late rally that saw us come on strong over the weekend.
However, Leeds are no pushovers and have quietly gone on a seven-match unbeaten run since a 3-2 loss at Man City back in November, drawing five and winning two (3-1 vs Chelsea and 4-1 vs Palace) in a spell that's pulled them eight clear of the drop zone.
Recent results suggest we'll have to be on our game to beat them, but it's a huge opportunity for Newcastle to really build momentum in this manic month of January, knowing a win could see us really close that two-point gap between us and Chelsea/Man Utd; who currently sit 5th and 6th on 31 points.
Speaking ahead of the game, after ruling himself out of the running at Man Utd, Eddie Howe said:
"It was a good feeling after the Crystal Palace game, it was a big win for us against tough opposition, it was a tight game. We were pleased to come out on the right side of it, now we have another home game, we love the evening games."
Team news
Jacob Murphy has escaped an injury, but muscle fatigue in his hamstring means Howe will make a 'late call' in his involvement against Leeds, with Anthony Elanga close but not yet ready to return.
Tino Livramento, Kieran Trippier and Sven Botman are back, but we're still without Dan Burn, Will Osula and Emil Krafth.
For Leeds, ex-Mag Sean Longstaff may return to the Leeds bench after recovering from a six-week injury, while right-back Jayden Bogle and centre-back Joe Rodon are 'unlikely' to recover in time.
Winger Dan James is ruled out, but holding midfielder Ethan Ampadu is back from a one-game ban that kept him out of their 1-1 draw with Man Utd on Sunday.
Predicted XI
(4-3-3): Pope – Livramento, Thiaw, Schar, Hall – Miley, Bruno, Joelinton – Barnes, Woltemade, Gordon.
OUT: Tonali, Murphy and Wissa IN: Livramento, Barnes, Woltemade.
At the back, Livramento's return from injury could allow him to come back in at right-back, handing Miley the chance to move into midfield and Tonali a rest.
Based on Howe's pre-match comments about Murphy's muscle fatigue, Elanga being out and Barnes enjoying playing on the right, I can see this front three with Woltemade returning, with Wissa unlikely to start three games in eight days.
Match prediction
Leeds won't be push overs, but I think we'll build on Sunday's late win and the confidence boost that's hopefully given us, especially now those European spots are well within reach once again.
Barnes and Big Nick to score in a tight yet precious three points at St James' Park.
Prediction: Newcastle 2-1 Leeds
Howay the lads!
