Newcastle United vs Leeds combined XI ahead of Premier League clash - who makes the team
We've put together a Newcastle United vs Leeds combined XI ahead of Wednesday's Premier League clash.
Newcastle United will look to extend their two-game winning streak when they host Leeds on Wednesday, but the result won’t come easily.
Daniel Farke’s men head to St. James’ Park on a seven-game unbeaten streak that includes wins over Chelsea and Crystal Palace, two draws against Liverpool and further stalemates against Manchester United, Sunderland and Brentford. Newcastle drew 0-0 at Elland Road in the previous meeting between these sides in August, highlighting the close nature between the two sides, despite a seven-point gap in the table.
With that in mind, we’ve put together a combined XI of Newcastle and Leeds players, using WhoScored’s stats-backed player ratings as a guide. *Only players with 900+ minutes (50%) have been considered.
Newcastle United vs Leeds combined XI
Goalkeeper: Nick Pope
WhoScored rating: 6.93
After a spell on the sidelines through injury, Nick Pope has re-established himself as Newcastle’s No.1, coming back for the wins over Burnley and Crystal Palace. Despite some calls for Pope to be dropped this season, he boasts the Premier League’s third-highest save percentage at 74.5%, while he’s kept six clean sheets in 14 appearances.
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Right-back: Tino Livramento
WhoScored rating: 6.76
Tino Livramento is one of the most talented defenders in England right now, and that’s reflected here as he outstrips his Leeds rival, Jayden Bogle, by 0.35. Livramento needs to work on his attacking output, but he adds great energy to Eddie Howe’s right flank with 1.79 final third carries and 2.32 attempted take-ons per 90 minutes. Livramento has also lost just six of 16 duels vs opposition dribblers this season.
Centre-back: Fabian Schar
WhoScored rating: 6.81
At 34 years old, Fabian Schar is still going strong. The Switzerland international is in the top three among Newcastle players in a host of key stats, including aerial duels won (46), clearances (65) and interceptions (16), while he’s averaged 4.60 passes into the final third per 90 as he continues to exude calm in possession.
Centre-back: Malick Thiaw
WhoScored rating: 7.15
Newcastle spent big to land Malick Thiaw in the summer, and the German has taken brilliantly to life in the Premier League. Thiaw has posted team-highs in most defensive metrics, including aerial duels won (61), clearances (109) and interceptions (18), while he’s also been a threat from set-pieces with three goals - only Bruno Guimaraes and Nick Woltemade have scored more (both 7).
Left-back: Gabriel Gudmundsson
WhoScored rating: 6.74
Gabriel Gudmundsson has commanded the left flank for Leeds, with a 61.9% challenge success rate and team-highs for tackles (46) and blocks (24). Lewis Hall hasn’t managed to stay consistently fit for Newcastle this season, which has limited him to 853 minutes despite posting an impressive 6.98 rating.
Central midfield: Bruno Guimaraes
WhoScored rating: 7.14
Only Thiaw has a higher rating than Bruno Guimaraes in this team, with the Brazilian posting more direct goal involvements than any other Newcastle player (7g/2a). Guimaraes is his side’s highest performer in a host of key metrics, including final third passes (105), chances created (25), tackles (39), and ball carries (798).
Central midfield: Anton Stach
WhoScored rating: 7.03
Anton Stach has proven the perfect all-action midfielder in the Premier League for Leeds, registering three goals and two assists, as well as 73 recoveries and a 65% challenge success rate.
Central midfield: Ethan Ampadu
WhoScored rating: 6.77
Leeds captain Ethan Ampadu has been Mr Consistent this season, and is their best performer in important metrics such as interceptions (23) and recoveries (89). A team-high five yellow cards pulls Ampadu’s rating down slightly, but he’s still among Leeds’ most important players.
Right wing: Brenden Aaronson
WhoScored rating: 6.67
Like so many in Leeds white, Brenden Aaronson’s form has improved dramatically recently, registering two assists and a goal in his last six appearances - including the opener in the 1-1 draw against Man Utd last time out. Aaronson’s game is all about work-rate and energy, and he’s third among Leeds players for attempted dribbles (39) and second for passes blocked (18). Don’t underestimate Aaronson’s technical ability, though, with the former Philadelphia Union man third among the Whites for chances created (18).
Striker: Dominic Calvert-Lewin
WhoScored rating: 6.82
Had we made this team a month ago, there’s no way Dominic Calvert-Lewin would have been included. Then he went on a six-game goalscoring streak, netting seven goals in total to take his season tally to eight - only Antoine Semenyo (9), Igor Thiago (14) and Erling Haaland (19) have more. That’s one more than Nick Woltemade, whose player rating is just behind on 6.78.
Left wing: Noah Okafor
WhoScored rating: 6.63
We’re all waiting for Anthony Gordon and Elanga to break out this season, but for now, Noah Okafor commands the left-wing spot in this team. The Swiss wideman has scored two Premier League goals, while posting team-highs for successful dribbles (28) and carries into the final third (34). Okafor needs to work on his end product, but all the ingredients are there.
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