Leeds vs. Newcastle – Eddie Howe: Pre-Match Press Conference

Newcastle United travel to Elland Road on Saturday in search of their first Premier League win of the season after a goalless draw in the opener and a 110th-minute loss to Liverpool on Monday. With that, Eddie Howe’s side sits on one point from two matches and is looking at a steep climb from the onset of the new campaign.

Leeds United, however, has an even worse recent past than the Magpies’ and are coming off consecutive defeats in league and cup competitions, including a midweek EFL Cup exit to

Sheffield Wednesday. However, Daniel Farke’s side are unbeaten in 21 straight home league games and opened the campaign with a 1-0 win over Everton.

Leeds will be without Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka due to knee injuries, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin is in contention to make his first start after joining on a free from Everton this summer. Meanwhile, Anton Stach leads all Premier League players in chances created through two matchweeks.

Newcastle remain without Alexander Isak, who continues to be excluded amid ongoing transfer uncertainty and a seemingly inevitable move to Liverpool following the arrival of Nick Woltemade in Tyneside.

Anthony Gordon won’t be eligible as he begins a three-match ban following his red card against the Reeds, while Fabian Schar, Sandro Tonali, and Joelinton are all unlikely to feature after sustaining injuries on Monday night.

Malick Thiaw and Jacob Ramsey are expected to make their full debuts, while Will Osula could start up front after scoring off the bench in Newcastle’s last outing, given Woltemade’s just arrived in England on Friday for his medical, potentially delaying his debut in black and white stripes until after the international break.

The Magpies have scored just two goals in their last five league games, which is worrying, to say the least. However, Newcastle have won 50% of their Premier League visits to Elland Road and have defeated promoted teams in eight consecutive league meetings, scoring at least three goals in seven of them, making this affair a promising one for Howe and the rest of the lads.

Here are some of Howe’s Wisdom Nuggets, courtesy of NUFC.co.uk

On Newcastle United’s team news ahead of the weekend…

“Relatively good news on both players (Joelinton and Tonali). When they left the pitch, we feared they may be out long-term. Joey’s scan was good but he will miss this weekend – we’ll hopefully get him back for the game after the international break.

“Sandro’s injury isn’t serious. He is battling to be fit for tomorrow.

“Fabian Schär is available. We followed concussion protocols – he will be fine to play.”

On Daniel Farke’s Leeds…

“Every time we have been to Elland Road, we have experienced the atmosphere their fans try to create. The start of the game is going to be very important for us. They have invested in a lot of good players.

“I love going to Elland Road – it is a stadium full of emotion, and we’ll need to use that emotion this weekend.”

On the 2025-26 Champions League draw…

“Really interesting. Some great games, exciting prospects. Very competitive matches – what an opportunity to enjoy more games in the Champions League.

“It will be tough and challenging, but we look forward to it.

“Barcelona at home is an amazing fixture for us. You get instantly drawn to that with the links with Sir Bobby Robson and the history of the club.”

On forward Will Osula…

“I thought Will did really well when he came on on Monday night, he gave us renewed energy, he has improved a lot from this time last year.

“He has gained the knowledge and experience of how we play, he is gaining in confidence and that goal will do him the world of good.”

Howay!