Newcastle x Leeds in the Premier League: line-up confirmed and where to watch liveBy Carolina Costa
4 min read
![]() |
At the beginning of 2026, Premier League brings a decisive clash between Newcastle United and Leeds United for the 21st round of Campeonato Inglês. The teams are preparing to clash at the traditional St James’ Park, home of Newcastle, in a match that could significantly influence their positions on the leaderboard. With the official lineups already announced and fans’ expectations high, the game promises exciting moves and well-defined strategies from coaches Eddie Howe and Daniel Farke.
The duel is scheduled for Thursday, January 7, 2026, starting at 5:15 pm (Brasília time). The exclusive broadcast for the country will be carried out by the streaming service Disney+, guaranteeing access to football fans.
The importance of the clash lies in both clubs’ search for crucial points in the competition, where each result can be decisive for the season’s aspirations. Newcastle, currently in ninth place, is looking to move up the table, while Leeds, in 16th, is fighting to move away from the relegation zone and consolidate its stay in the elite.
Starting lineups defined for the game
Teams enter the field with their best available pieces, seeking victory at all costs. Newcastle United, under the command of Eddie Howe, opted for a 4-3-3 formation, valuing offensive strength and pressure in midfield. Esta choice reflects the team’s intention to dominate the actions from the opening whistle and seek the opponent’s goal with intensity.
On the other side, Leeds United, led by Daniel Farke, adopts a 3-5-1-1 tactical scheme, focused on defensive solidity and the speed of counterattacks. The strategy aims to neutralize the opponent’s attacks and exploit quick transitions to surprise the home defense.
Main names on the field
The Newcastle lineup features well-known names and athletes in good form, such as goalkeeper Nick Pope, the defense duo formed by Sven Botman and Fabian Schär, and a combative midfield with Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton. In attack, the speed of Harvey Barnes, Anthony Gordon and the finishing ability of Noah Okafor are the bets to score goals.
At Leeds, the starting formation has Illan Meslier in goal, a solid defensive line and a dynamic midfield with Tyler Adams, Marc Roca and Weston McKennie. Up front, Patrick Bamford leads the attack, with Brenden Aaronson offering creativity and support in the construction of offensive plays, essential for breaking through the opponent’s block.
Situation of teams at Premier League
Newcastle United arrives for this round occupying ninth place in the table, with 29 points won. The team aims for a sequence of good results to get closer to the positions that guarantee a place in European competitions next season, a declared objective of the club.
Leeds United is in 16th position, with 22 points so far. The team’s main concern is to move away from the relegation zone and ensure its permanence in the main English league. Cada match is a true final for the team, which seeks to gain precious points to achieve its goal.
Recent performance and expectations
Newcastle comes from an oscillating phase, alternating victories and defeats in the last matches, which demonstrates the need for greater consistency to climb the rankings. The team has shown resilience at home, but needs to convert this strength into positive results on a more regular basis. The fans expect a decisive performance in this match.
In turn, Leeds United is looking for stability after a series of mixed results, with draws and some important victories, but also defeats that keep the team on alert. The improvement in defensive performance and attacking efficiency are crucial points for the Daniel Farke team, which is working to build a safer campaign in the competition.
Referee details and match location
The game will have as main referee Michael Salisbury, from Inglaterra, an experienced professional who has already played in several Premier League matches. The expectation is for fair and impartial conduct, ensuring that the focus of the dispute is on the performance of the athletes on the field. Sua average number of cards per game indicates arbitration that tends to maintain control of the match.
St James’ Park, the venue for the clash, is an iconic stadium located in Newcastle upon Tyne, Conhecido for its vibrant atmosphere and the passionate support of the Newcastle fans, the venue is one of the most traditional in English football. The pitch must be in perfect condition for the development of the game, favoring the speed and technique of the players.
Confirmed absences for the duel
Both teams will face the clash with important absences due to injuries, which could impact their strategies. Pelo alongside Newcastle, Anthony Elanga, Dan Burn and Emil Krafth are out of the match, while Jamaal Lascelles is in doubt. Essas absences require the coach Eddie Howe to adjust the team and use the options available on the bench.
Leeds United will also have significant casualties, with William Osula and Daniel James confirmed as absences, and Jayden Bogle with unconfirmed status. Daniel Farke will need to reorganize the team to compensate for the lack of these athletes, testing the depth of the squad and the adaptability of the players who take the field.

