MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 06: Sam Allardyce, Manager of Leeds United during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Leeds United at Etihad Stadium on May 06, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
Here is a round-up of the latest Leeds United headlines for May 13 ahead of Sam Allardyce’s side facing Newcastle United at Elland Road
Allardyce demand
Sam Allardyce has demanded a return to the Leeds United performances of old under Marcelo Bielsa if the club are going to pull off the great escape. The Whites face Newcastle United on Saturday lunchtime, two points adrift of safety with just three matches remaining.
Allardyce has called for his new side to apply the effort and running power which defined the team under Bielsa. The ex-England boss knows what his players are ‘capab
le’ of, given the display they once delivered against West Brom during his time in the Midlands.
Allardyce said: “The first year, I was at West Brom, in the pandemic, which was a disaster, but he came down to The Hawthorns about the second or third game and just blew us away. I know what some of the players here are capable of.
“I know all of the players are not here anymore, but a bit more of that, 100 per cent effort and 100 per cent being able to outrun the opposition, which was one of Leeds’ biggest strengths then.”
Newcastle injury news
Neither Leeds United nor Newcastle can afford to miss out on the three points on offer at Elland Road today, for vastly different reasons. While Sam Allardyce’s men know they must claim a win which will give them a big boost in their fight against relegation from the Premier League, Eddie Howe and Newcastle are looking to secure a top-four spot and Champions League football next season.
Both sides suffered defeat against the top two sides in the division last time out, Leeds narrowly losing 2-1 at leaders Manchester City, while Arsenal maintained their title interest with a 2-0 win at St James’ Park. That was only the Magpies’ fifth defeat in the league so far, and they will be looking to make a statement today.
Howe has options to consider should he decide to make a change up front, but is thin on the ground when it comes to the midfield. Sean Longstaff has seen a specialist over a foot injury picked up in Newcastle’s 4-1 win at Everton and will be sidelined again today in what is a big blow to the Magpies.
Talking points
Patience may have been running out with Javi Gracia’s Leeds and a directors’ box which hosted Victor Orta, but Allardyce’s arrival should reset that angst somewhat. The players need to turn up and deliver, but Elland Road will be rocking for the penultimate home game of the season, spurred on by what’s sure to be a vocal away following.
How will Allardyce shackle and use that 12th man? Will his calls for the return of Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds bear fruit? Elland Road could be Allardyce’s biggest weapon this month.
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