'There should be an asterisk': Chris Sutton struggles to predict the score between Leeds United and Newcastle United
Leeds United host Newcastle United in the Sky Sports televised 5:30 pm kick-off on Saturday.
The hosts actually have more points on the board after two games than Newcastle, having registered a win on the opening day of the season with a spirited performance against Everton.
Newcastle have played two, drawn one and lost one in comparison. But played exceptionally well in both games and could feel a bit hard done by to only have one point to show for their efforts.
Chris Sutton believes that home advantage for Leeds could play a huge role in this fixture, and, like Paul Merson, also believes the absence of Joelinton and potentially Sandro Tonali could be massive factors.
Chris Sutton can't separate the two teams
Writing for the BBC, Chris Sutton says that had Newcastle had Joelinton and Tonali available, it would be an easy Newcastle win, but with both potentially missing, he's not so sure.
"Newcastle were phenomenal against Liverpool. But my worry for them is this: Sandro Tonali and Joelinton both went off injured last match and those two in midfield are an absolute force. I don't know what taking them out will do to the team.
"Leeds lost 5-0 to Arsenal. They were thumped. Well beaten. But are they going to be a different proposition at Elland Road? They played with such great intensity in their opening game against Everton.
"There should be an asterisk for this one, really. If Tonali and Joelinton are fit, which I don't think will be, then Newcastle should win. But this has put me in a really vulnerable position as the BBC predictions expert - I don't have all the data!
"With Anthony Gordon also suspended, I'm going for a draw, purely based on the fact that Newcastle won't have any players.
"Sutton's prediction: 1-1"
We're not convinced a draw will be the outcome
Even without Joelinton and Sandro, we expect Newcastle to beat Leeds tomorrow. Yes, they are a different prospect at Elland Road, but the hammering by Arsenal and the early Carabao Cup exit to Sheffield Wednesday will have hammered their confidence, especially as both defeats were thoroughly deserved.
Newcastle's issue will once again be putting the ball in the back of the net, but we only need to do it once if we can keep Leeds at bay.
Judging by Dominic Calvert-Lewin's finishing in midweek, that shouldn't be too difficult.
