Huge Matias Fernandez-Pardo news drops before Newcastle United face Leeds United

Newcastle United could go third in the Premier League with a win over Leeds United tonight.

Matthias Jaissle has made the ballsy decision to hand Matias Fernandez-Pardo his first Newcastle United start against Leeds United tonight.

The Belgian has shown glimpses of his £51million talents in two cameo appearances from the bench. He linked up well with Lewis Hall for Joe Willock’s winner at Millwall last week.

The lack of a pre-season at Lille has forced Jaissle to ease Fernandez-Pardo into life at St James’ Park. Despite to make an impact in Toon colours, the 21-year-old will spearhead the frontline in West Yorkshire.

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Elsewhere, the Magpies have been forced into a change on the right flank. Anthony Elanga has picked up a knock, with Jacob Murphy stepping up in his place.

On a positive note, Amar Dedic has recovered and will start at right-back. The 24-year-old had suffered a slight muscle problem and was withdrawn during the interval at Millwall.

The trusted defence of Lukas Hornicek, Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman and Lewis Hall complete the backline. In midfield, Nico Gonzalez and Lewis Miley will start at the base of the engine room.

A three-pronged support act of Harvey Barnes, Yoane Wissa and Murphy will aim to supply the bullets for Fernandez-Pardo in attack. Both sides are unbeaten in the Premier League and Newcastle could climb to third in the table with another victory on the road.

Newcastle United XI to face Leeds United

Hornicek; Dedic, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Gonzalez, Miley; Murphy, Wissa, Barnes; Fernandez-Pardo

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