LEEDS UNITED will be looking to lift themselves out of the Premier League relegation zone when they lock horns with Newcastle United at Elland Road on Saturday lunchtime.
The Leeds hierarchy decided to roll the dice with four games remaining by appointing survival specialist Sam Allardyce as manager until the end of the season.
Big Sam saw his team offer a dogged display in a 2-1 loss at Manchester City last weekend, on an afternoon where two of my three recommended bets banked.
However, that Etihad defeat coupled with results elsewhere means the Whites are now residing in the relegation zone ahead of this weekend's visit from Newcastle.
Eddie Howe's side also arrive at Elland Road off the back of a defeat following a 2-0 loss when hosting Arsenal last weekend.
While the Magpies remain in third place, they will be starting to looking over their shoulder somewhat given that a resurgent Liverpool have re-entered the top-four conversation.
Outright Betting
Leeds United, who have avoided defeat in 11 of their 17 Premier League home games this season, head into this game as 7/2 (William Hill) underdogs while the draw has been chalked up at 3/1 (Bet 365).
Newcastle United have triumphed in four of their last five top-flight road trips and another Toon success here is trading at 13/20 (Bet 365).
Betting Angles
Goals have been flowing in Leeds games in recent weeks but I'm going to go against the grain in this one as I think there is enough reason to side with Under 3.0 Asian Goals here at 17/20 (Bet 365).
Taking this angle of attack means a game generating zero, one or two goals would yield profit, while exactly three match strikes would provide the added insurance in the shape of our stakes being refunded.
Big Sam will be hoping his tactical blueprint – which will be based on defensive organisation and drilled discipline – will quickly bear fruit, so much so that I suspect the hosts will go with a safety-first approach in this clash.
While opposing outfit Newcastle have found clean sheets hard to come by since the turn of the year, Eddie Howe's backline still boast the best defensive record in the top-flight this season, having conceded a mere 29 goals in 34 outings.
What's more, tension and pressure is likely be running high for both teams here in a match that has huge ramifications at both ends of the table, all of which could bring a cagey clash as the pair look to avoid defeat.
Taking all that into account, I'm prepared to side with the 17/20 (Bet 365) quote on Under 3.0 Asian goals at Elland Road, knowing this selection will only see us suffer a loss if this fixture features four goals or more.
Elsewhere, I’ll also be having a small investment on Newcastle's Dan Burn to be booked at 4/1 with Bet 365.
The 6 ft 7 Magpies left-back has already been carded five times in the Premier League this season and he should have his hands full here given the directness and trickery of diminutive livewire Wilfried Gnonto, who is likely to be his direct opponent.
This English Premier League match between Leeds United and Newcastle United will be played on May 13, 2023 and kick off at 12:30. Check below for our tipsters best Leeds United vs Newcastle United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
