Leeds United take on Newcastle United for the second time this season on Saturday, after Marcelo Bielsa's side drew 1-1 with the Magpies at St James' Park in September.
On that day, Leeds took an early lead through Raphinha, only to see their advantage wiped out by an Allan Saint-Maximin equaliser minutes before half-time. The second half turned into a back-and-forth affair, but the Whites had the better of the chances and were disappointed not to take three points from the North East.
This time around, Leeds can take heart in the fact that their recent form has seen them climb nine points clear of the relegation places, so this game is a less pressured one than it felt like it might have been just a few weeks ago.
Additionally, they should be encouraged by one stat in particular:
Newcastle have scored first in 10 Premier League encounters this season and only gone on to win one of those (D6 L3). That win ratio of 10 per cent is the lowest by any side in Premier League history in a single season when scoring first.
This stat was seen in action in their last two fixtures as against both Manchester United and Watford, the Magpies talisman, Saint-Maximin scored to give them a lead. However, on both occasions that lead was squandered.
At Old Trafford, Edinson Cavani scored in the 71st minute but Manchester United were unable to find a winner. Eddie Howe's side felt aggrieved not to have won the game having played very well but they showed their lack of ruthlessness and a soft underbelly in the end.
Against Watford last weekend, the Magpies had been firmly on top in the first half, seeing several chances from crosses go begging before Saint-Maximin capitalised on an error from Jeremy Ngakia to open the scoring.
However, rather than kicking on to victory, the North East side seemed racked with nerves. Perhaps they recognised the enormity of the need for the win but they suddenly began to make basic errors and by the time Joao Pedro headed the equaliser in the 87th minute, it had seemed only a matter of time before Watford would score.
With the game being at Elland Road, Leeds will hope to control the play a little more than they managed at St James' Park, however they should be encouraged. Should they lose control and concede or even concede from a set-piece against the run of play - which is not an unheard of thing with Leeds under Bielsa - Newcastle are likely to offer a way back into the game.
