Ampadu To Start, Stach On The Bench | 3-5-2 Leeds United Predicted Lineup Vs Newcastle United | OneFootball

Leeds United will lock horns with Newcastle United at St. James’ Park this Wednesday night as they look to secure a good result on their travels in the Premier League. The Whites managed to earn a 1-1 draw against Manchester United recently, so they would be eager to return to winning ways in the league.

Daniel Farke will set his players up in a 3-5-2 formation and is expected to make one change to his first team for this clash. Ethan Ampadu will return from suspension and get a start for Leeds, while Ilia Gruev makes way for him and drops to the bench.

3-5-2 Leeds United Predicted Lineup To Face Newcastle United

Defence

Lucas Perri will function in between the sticks for Leeds after conceding one goal in his last outing. Farke will opt for a back three of Sebastiaan Bornauw, Jaka Bijol and Pascal Struijk as they look to maintain a solid shape on the defensive end of the field. All three of them need to be at their best if the Whites are to come away with a clean sheet from St. James’ Park this Wednesday night.

Sam Byram will provide cover for the defensive positions on the bench.

LEEDS, ENGLAND – JANUARY 04: Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Leeds United applauds the fans after the Premier League match between Leeds United and Manchester United at Elland Road on January 04, 2026 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)

Midfield

Anton Stach, Ethan Ampadu and Brenden Aaronson will operate as the central midfielders for the Yorkshire club as they look to win the 50-50 duels at the centre of the park.

Gabriel Gudmundsson will try to catch the eye on the left flank, while James Justin hopes to prove his worth as the right-sided wide player. Both of them will try to get in behind the Newcastle backline at every chance they can get.

Ao Tanaka, Ilia Gruev and Jack Harrison will have to settle for a spot on the bench as they await their chance to make an impact in the second half if required.

Attack

Noah Okafor and Dominic Calvert-Lewin will lead the charge for the Whites up top. Both of them need to combine well if Leeds are to pose a threat on the counter this Wednesday night.

Lukas Nmecha and Joel Piroe will make up the numbers on the bench and might come on to make an impact in the latter stages of the game if Leeds are in need of a goal by then.