That promises to be a daunting task for Leeds, given how strong Newcastle have been on Tyneside this season. The Magpies have won nine of their last eleven home games, only failing to beat Chelsea and Spurs in that run, with both games ending 2-2, respectively.

They were dominant against Crystal Palace last time out, cruising to a 2-0 win on home turf thanks to goals from Bruno Guimaraes and Malick Thiaw. The Magpies racked up 12 shots and five big chances in that game, amounting to 2.08 xG, making it a deserved win. 

By contrast, Leeds have really struggled on their travels. They have managed to hold on to a draw in their last three successive outings on the road, but lost the four away games prior to that. Leeds have the record of one win, three draws, and five losses in the Premier League away matches this season, with the only three points coming against basement-dwellers Wolves.

Leeds have struggled to plug the gaps at the back when playing on the road, and the injury to Joe Rodon is set to have a big impact on them defensively. The Welshman suffered a serious ankle injury against Sunderland and is set for a few weeks on the sidelines. Farke’s men are conceding an average of 12.3 shots per away game in the league, while that has only translated to 3.9 opposition corners. They face a tough matchup on Wednesday night. 

Newcastle have racked up 126 corners from their 20 league games this season - more than any other Premier League club. The Magpies managed eight corners against Palace last time out, taking their average to 7.4 corners per game when playing at St James’ Park this campaign. Eddie Howe’s men play with a lot more confidence and attacking intent in front of a home crowd, and will hope to dominate proceedings here. 

Daniel Farke opted to rest Dominic Calvert-Lewin at Anfield, as he only made an appearance from the bench against Liverpool.

That would have been a tough decision for the Leeds manager to make, given how Calvert-Lewin had scored in six successive games going into that one. Still, it was a wise one, given how the centre forward has struggled with injuries throughout his career.

That game ended Calvert-Lewin’s scoring streak, although he did have a goal ruled out late on for offside. He also went close to scoring against Man United last time out, only striking the woodwork at Elland Road.

Calvert-Lewin has been in standout form recently, and his form has opened the door to a potential call-up to the England squad for the 2026 World Cup. This is set to be a tough matchup at St James’ Park, but he has scored seven goals in his last eight appearances, bagging against the likes of Man City, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Sunderland.

It was uncertain whether Farke would revert to a back four following the injury to Rodon, but instead, he opted to introduce Bornauw into the starting eleven and persist with the same back three shape that has brought about such a positive change in results.

Bornauw has started just three games for Leeds since joining from Wolfsburg in the summer - he committed two fouls against Sheffield Wednesday on his debut in the EFL Cup. He also registered an infringement against both Man United and Liverpool after stepping in for Rodon, highlighting an aggressive defensive style. 

The centre back had an average of 1.37 fouls per 90 in the Bundesliga last season, and clearly seems to still be adapting to the physicality of the Premier League. He will have the tough task of trying to contain Anthony Gordon midweek, who is averaging 2.17 fouls drawn per 90 this season.