Leeds welcome Newcastle to Elland Road tonight needing to turn the page quickly. Their unbeaten Premier League start remains intact, but Wednesday's 6-3 cup defeat at Chelsea has made the defensive response the story of this match.
Leeds have league form to protect
Leeds began their league campaign with a 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest, then drew 1-1 with Brentford and Brighton. Five points from three matches is a steady return, particularly with only two goals conceded.
The cup trip to Chelsea changed the mood without changing that league record. Leeds scored three times at Stamford Bridge but conceded six, so the crowd will want to see the aggression remain while the spaces disappear.
Newcastle are building momentum
Newcastle are unbeaten in five matches in all competitions. They drew 2-2 with Liverpool and Bournemouth, won 3-2 against West Bromwich Albion in the cup and produced a 2-0 league win at Tottenham Hotspur.
Tuesday's 1-0 cup victory at Millwall made it three wins from their last four. Ten goals across the five-match run shows a side finding different routes to goal, although six conceded means Leeds should not approach this as a damage-limitation exercise.
Which Leeds side turns up?
Elland Road should give Leeds the energy to press forward, but the balance matters. Another open contest would suit a Newcastle side that has scored in every match of its current unbeaten run.
Leeds have been much tighter in the league than they were at Chelsea. Restoring that discipline, without losing their willingness to attack, is the clearest route to making this a difficult night for the visitors.
Match details
Leeds United v Newcastle United
Monday 14 September, 20:00 BST
Premier League
Elland Road
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What to watch
The first Newcastle counter-attack will be revealing. If Leeds recover their shape and manage it, the cup defeat can stay in the past. If the match stretches early, the visitors have the recent scoring form to take advantage.