Newcastle United vs Leeds United: predicted lineup and team news

Newcastle host Leeds at St James' Park on 7 January 2026 (kick-off 20:15 GMT); Eddie Howe has several absentees and a predicted Newcastle XI is provided.

Newcastle United host Leeds United at St James' Park on Wednesday, 7 January 2026. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:15 GMT. Eddie Howe's side has risen to ninth after recent wins and remain unbeaten in seven home matches. Howe is managing several absentees ahead of the fixture. Match and squad notes: - Date and kick-off: 7 January 2026, 20:15 GMT at St James' Park. - UK broadcast: Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event, with coverage from 19:30 GMT. - Injuries and availability: Dan Burn and Emil Krafth are absent; Anthony Elanga and William Osula are ruled out with knee and ankle problems. - Jacob Murphy is facing a late fitness check after reporting fatigue over the weekend. - Lewis Miley is set to continue at right-back with Nick Pope in goal, and a backline featuring Malick Thiaw and Fabian Schar is expected. - Newcastle's predicted XI is listed as: Pope; Miley, Thiaw, Schar, Hall; Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton; Murphy, Woltemade, Gordon. Summary: The match will test Newcastle's strong home form as they seek a third consecutive Premier League win, and several absentees are influencing selection. A predicted starting XI is available and Jacob Murphy's late fitness check is noted. The next scheduled event is kick-off at 20:15 GMT with live coverage beginning at 19:30 GMT.