Leeds United made no changes to the team that started their 1-1 draw with Brighton for the Premier League meeting with Newcastle United. The side had also been involved in a 6-3 defeat by Chelsea in the Rumbelows between league matches, although only three players who began that game were selected against Newcastle.
Newcastle made two changes to their previous league starting line-up. Jacob Murphy and Mathias Fernandez-Pardo came into the front four, replacing the injured Anthony Elanga and Joe Willock. Fernandez-Pardo was named in the Newcastle starting XI for the first time, while Mason Miley was among the substitutes.
Leeds lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation with James Trafford in goal and Justin, Nico Elvedi and Tarik Muharemović in defence. Jayden Bogle, Ethan Ampadu, Ao Tanaka and Junior Firpo were listed across midfield, with Noah Okafor, Anton Stach and Dominic Calvert-Lewin completing the starting side.
Newcastle used a 4-2-3-1 shape. Martin Dúbravka was listed in goal, behind Kieran Trippier, Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman and Lewis Hall. Nico González and Lewis Miley formed the central midfield pairing, with Murphy, Fernandez-Pardo and Harvey Barnes behind Yoane Wissa.
Leeds manager Daniel Farke told Sky that his team had made a good start in terms of performance and points, but described Newcastle as a difficult opponent, particularly in transition. Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle has made a strong start, according to the supplied Guardian report, with González settling into midfield and other attacking players taking opportunities.
The match was presented as a meeting between two historic English clubs in strong early form. Leeds had strengthened during the summer after staying up last season, while Newcastle had changed manager and lost several senior players but had nevertheless begun the campaign impressively.