'I fancy', 'Ferocious' - Chris Sutton & Alan Shearer disagree on Leeds United vs Newcastle United predictions
Leeds United welcome Newcastle United to Elland Road for a huge Premier League clash on Monday.
Chris Sutton believes Leeds United are the more likely winner against Newcastle United on Monday night - although he’s predicted the spoils to be shared.
Leeds host Newcastle at Elland Road in the final game of the weekend, with both teams still unbeaten in the Premier League. The pair have five points each with Matthias Jaissle’s Magpies further up the table on goal difference.
Daniel Farke will be looking for a reaction to Wednesday’s 6-3 Carabao Cup defeat at Chelsea. An Elland Road meeting between the two sides at a similar point last season ended level and goalless, with Sutton predicting another draw.
In his predictions column for BBC Sport, Sutton wrote: “Newcastle are the new counter-attack kings and I am expecting more of the same from them here. It will be interesting to see how Leeds boss Daniel Farke tries to deal with that.
“He has been quite versatile with the way he has set his side up this season. Leeds have shown a bit more steel in their league games too, and look well organised, but at the same time I don't know if they carry as much of an attacking threat as they did previously.
“I probably still fancy Leeds more to win this because they are at home, but Newcastle showed plenty of fight against Bournemouth last week and this will probably end up in a draw too. Sutton's prediction: 1-1.”
Leeds have close to a fully fit squad for the Monday night game, with Joe Rodon the only confirmed absence while Ilia Gruev is yet to make a matchday squad. Newcastle right-back Amar Dedic is a fresh doubt while the likes of Joelinton and Dan Burn will miss out through injury.
Former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer enjoyed trips to Elland Road as a player and enjoys what he calls a ‘ferocious’ atmosphere. The St James’ Park icon has disagreed with Sutton’s prediction, with Jaissle’s Magpies expected to take all three points back up north.
“It's always a ferocious atmosphere at Elland Road,” Shearer told Betfair. “It's only down the road really, an hour and a half down the road from Newcastle, so there'll be thousands of fans travelling down there. Elland Road's a great atmosphere.
“I'm going to go for a Newcastle away win. They’re unbeaten this season, two wins in the cup, and three in the league. I am going to go for an away win, and I hope the boys can keep this good run going. Prediction – Newcastle win.”