Under pressure Steve Bruce is in desperate need of a result with the Magpies currently 10 games without a win.
Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Aston Villa also marked a run of eight matches without scoring as supporters call for the 60-year-old to resign.
Meanwhile, Marcelo Bielsa’s side return to the field following a nine-day absence after a postponed fixture against Southampton and a free FA Cup weekend.
It’s a huge game for both teams in the context of the bottom end of the top-flight table.
Ahead of tonight’s game, we’ve decided to create a ‘combined XI’ – as decided by popular statistics site WhoScored.com, who have given an average rating to each player thus far.
Indeed, that includes a couple of controversial choices as far Newcastle are concerned.
So, which of Bruce’s players feature? Scroll and click through our gallery to see how the starting XI shapes up:
. Leeds United's Argentinian head coach Marcelo Bielsa (L) shakes hands with Newcastle United's English head coach Steve Bruce (R) after the English Premier League football match between Leeds United and Newcastle United at Elland Road in Leeds, northern England on December 16, 2020. (Photo by Rui Vieira / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by RUI VIEIRA/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
A combined Newcastle United and Leeds United starting XI, according to WhoScored.com (Photo by RUI VIEIRA/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) Photo: RUI VIEIRA
. Karl Darlow - 6.93
The 30-year-old has been an ever-present for the Magpies in the Premier League this season as Martin Dubravka battled back from injury. WhoScored rating: 6.93. Photo: Alex Pantling
1. Karl Darlow - 6.93
The 30-year-old has been an ever-present for the Magpies in the Premier League this season as Martin Dubravka battled back from injury. WhoScored rating: 6.93. Photo: Alex Pantling
2. Luke Ayling - 6.95
Spent most of the season in central defence but is a right-back by trade. With Diego Llorente back fit, Ayling could soon be switched back to his favoured position. WhoScored rating: 6.95. Photo: Michael Regan
3. Liam Cooper - 7.06
The Leeds captain comfortably earns his spot. His WhoScored rating is bettered only by Patrick Bamford. WhoScored rating: 7.06. Photo: Catherine Ivill
4. Ciaran Clark - 6.78
Ranked as Newcastle’s most consistent defender this season. Llorente’s rating was higher but was hard to make a case given he's played just 81 minutes of football so far since his summer switch from Real Sociedad. WhoScored rating: 6.78. Photo: ALEX PANTLING