Leeds United versus Newcastle United is a fixture with great history. The two teams have faced each other 87 times since their first meeting in 1924 with honours fairly even; Newcastle having won 37 and Leeds 33. Although the teams met two years ago in the League Cup (Newcastle winning that one two nil) it’s been 12 years since the teams have faced each other in the League. Newcastle are favourites on the betting sites for next weekends game but after recent results the Leeds camp will be confident of an upset.
It’s no surprise that with two of the best supported teams in English football, Newcastle United flying high at the top of the table and Leeds United on a roll in the play-off places that the highest crowd for five years is expected at Elland Road. Not since the promotion game against Bristol Rovers and Arsenal in the FA Cup has LS11 seen a crowd that big. Selling out Elland Road only goes to reinforce the positive feeling that is surrounding the club at the moment. The team are playing well, we are winning games and there is an expectation that we could achieve something this season.
After years of dwindling attendances and the club shrinking in both stature and expectation every year it genuinely feels like we are getting back to where we belong. A young positive manager and a team with potential not seen since the Grayson era. A full Elland Road is exactly what we need to drive us forward. Many of the players won’t have seen the old place packed to the rafters and it is a sight and sound to behold. How could they fail to be inspired by 39,000 people chanting Marching on Together at full volume?
Both teams will feel confident going into the game but win or lose seeing so many fans once again inside Elland Road can only be a good thing. Let’s hope many of them return for more games this season and cheer this exciting Leeds United team onto promotion this season. There is a lot to be excited about this season.
