A high-stakes encounter under the lights at St. James’ Park awaits tonight, Wednesday, January 7, 2026, as Newcastle United welcomes an inspired Leeds United. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:15 GMT.
Eddie Howe’s Magpies are hunting for a third consecutive Premier League win to break into the top five, but they face a Leeds side currently enjoying its longest top-flight unbeaten streak in over two decades.
Match Details: Kick-off & Official Info
Competition: Premier League (Matchday 21)
Date: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Kick-off: 20:15 GMT / 15:15 ET
Venue: St. James’ Park, Newcastle
Referee: Michael Salisbury (VAR: Peter Bankes)
Broadcast: Sky Sports Cricket (UK), Peacock Premium (US)
The Storyline: Magpies' Momentum vs. The Leeds Wall
Newcastle United: Champions League Ambitions Rekindled
After a mid-season wobble, Newcastle has stabilized in spectacular fashion. Back-to-back victories over Burnley (3–1) and Crystal Palace (2–0) have moved the Magpies into 9th place, sitting just two points behind 5th-placed Chelsea.
The return of defensive mainstays Kieran Trippier and Tino Livramento has coincided with a return to the 4-3-3 system that served Howe so well in previous campaigns. With a Carabao Cup semi-final against Manchester City on the horizon, Newcastle will be eager to keep their league momentum surging.
Leeds United: The "Immune to Defeat" Streak
Daniel Farke has transformed Leeds into one of the toughest teams to beat in the division. The Whites are currently on a seven-match unbeaten run, which includes holding both Liverpool and Manchester United to stalemates in their last two outings.
Leeds has become a giant-killer of sorts since their promotion, having already dismantled Chelsea and Crystal Palace in December. Their defensive resilience, led by the central pairing of Pascal Struijk and Sebastiaan Bornauw, has been the bedrock of their survival mission, moving them seven points clear of the relegation zone.
Team News & AFCON Absentees
Newcastle United Team News
Injury Update: Dan Burn, William Osula, and Emil Krafth remain sidelined. Anthony Elanga is close to a return but unlikely to start tonight.
Late Fitness Test: Jacob Murphy is 75% likely to feature after a minor thigh strain; if he misses out, Harvey Barnes is expected to deputize.
Defensive Boost: Sven Botman is back in full training and could make the bench.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Pope; Livramento, Thiaw, Schär, Hall; Guimarães, Tonali, Joelinton; Murphy, Wissa, Gordon.
Leeds United Team News
Return: Captain Ethan Ampadu returns to the starting lineup after serving a one-match suspension.
Out: Joe Rodon and Dan James remain sidelined with muscle injuries. Jayden Bogle is also a major doubt.
Goal Threat: Dominic Calvert-Lewin has scored seven times in his last eight matches and will lead the line.
Predicted XI (3-5-2): Perri; Bornauw, Bijol, Struijk; Justin, Aaronson, Ampadu, Stach, Gudmundsson; Calvert-Lewin, Okafor.
Head-to-Head (H2H) & Key Stats
Draw Specialists: Four of the last five meetings between these two clubs have ended in a draw, including the 0–0 at Elland Road earlier this season.
Leeds’ Long Run: Leeds is seven games unbeaten in the top flight—their longest such streak since 2001.
St. James’ Record: Newcastle has failed to beat Leeds at home in their last four attempts (D3, L1).
Set-Piece Kings: Leeds has scored 12 goals from set-pieces this season, a league-high shared only with Arsenal.
Tactical Analysis: Midfield Mastery vs. Set-Piece Danger
The battle in the engine room will be decisive. Newcastle’s trio of Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali, and Joelinton is arguably one of the most physical and technical in Europe. They will look to dominate possession and pin Leeds back.
However, Leeds’ transition under Farke is lightning-fast. With Brenden Aaronson pulling the strings and the height of Calvert-Lewin and Bijol at set-pieces, Leeds only needs one lapse in concentration from Newcastle to find the net. Eddie Howe will have spent the week drilling his defenders on dead-ball scenarios to nullify Leeds' greatest weapon.
Match Prediction
Newcastle is formidable at home, winning nine of their last 11 at St. James' Park. However, Leeds has specialized in "spoiling the party" for top-half teams lately. While the Magpies have the quality to edge it, the history of stalemates between these two suggests a tight affair.
Final Score Prediction: Newcastle 2–1 Leeds United
