In a thrilling display of resilience, Newcastle United have firmly set their sights on climbing up the Premier League table. Notably, St James' Park has become a fortress with the team securing back-to-back league wins for only the second time this season, which is more than just a flicker of hope for the Toon Army.
Leeds United, however, are no pushovers this season. They arrive on Tyneside riding a remarkable unbeaten streak of seven matches. This impressive form has hoisted Leeds from the depths of relegation fears to a mid-table position, now nine points shy of a top-five slot. Their resurgence under Daniel Farke is notable, punctuated by hard-fought draws against some of the league's big guns including Liverpool and Manchester United.
Despite a couple of goalless outings, Dominic Calvert-Lewin poses a significant threat, having a penchant for finding the back of the net against Newcastle. He has tallied six goals in past meetings, a statistic the Magpies’ defence will be keenly aware of.
On the home front, Eddie Howe's strategic acumen seems to be paying dividends. The mini resurgence has not only been about scoring goals but also tightening up defensively. Newcastle ended a disconcerting 12-match streak without a clean sheet, a solid foundation they will hope to build on.
A significant part of this revival can be attributed to the young Lewis Miley. Thrust into the right-back position, Miley has not only adapted but thrived, highlighted by perfect pass completion against Crystal Palace – a feat unparalleled this season across the league. Additionally, the integration of Yoane Wissa into the lineup has correlated with the team's improved performances, suggesting that the tactical pieces are beginning to align for Howe.
As Newcastle prepares for the upcoming challenges, the palpable sense of belief among fans and players alike could very well propel them towards an unexpected tilt at the title. With St James' Park turning into a stronghold and key players hitting form at the right moment, there's every reason to believe that silverware might just be on the horizon, not just in the league but perhaps a storied FA Cup run too!
Given this renewed spirit and tactical nous, the upcoming fixtures are more than just matches; they are stepping stones to what could potentially be one of the most memorable seasons in recent history.
And to wrap up with a cheeky nudge to our beloved neighbours: Why did the Sunderland fan bring a ladder to the match? Because they heard the league table was out of reach! Keep reaching, lads!
Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike Alexander Isak
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