Newcastle’s Right-Back Decision Could Rewrite a 30-Year Away Record
Livramento positioned to start as Newcastle target historic away run against Leeds
Newcastle United’s Monday evening visit to Leeds United at Elland Road could give the club a chance to open a domestic league campaign with two consecutive away victories for the first time since 1995-96. During that season, Kevin Keegan’s Newcastle began with road wins over Coventry City and Bolton Wanderers before finishing as Premier League runners-up.
The immediate selection issue concerns Amar Dedic, who sustained a minor hamstring problem during midweek cup action. He was withdrawn at half-time in Newcastle’s victory over Millwall in the English Football League Cup, leading the coaching staff to assess alternatives on the right side of defense.
Tino Livramento is positioned to start against Leeds. The English full-back made his first league appearance of the campaign as a substitute in Newcastle’s previous Premier League fixture, a 2-2 comeback draw against Bournemouth, and then played 45 minutes in the midweek EFL Cup contest.
Matthias Jaissle is expected to retain his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation at Elland Road. Goalkeeper Hornicek is projected to line up behind a back four of Livramento on the right, Lewis Hall on the left, and Malick Thiaw alongside Sven Botman in central defense.
Newcastle has also been managing absences in other areas of the squad. Brazilian midfielder Joelinton remains unavailable with a thigh injury, while defender Dan Burn and forward William Osula are continuing rehabilitation programs for ankle injuries. All three first-team players are expected to remain sidelined until after the upcoming international break.
Lewis Miley is slated to form the central-midfield double pivot with Gonzalez. Behind central forward Yoane Wissa, Joe Willock is expected to operate in the central attacking midfield role, with Anthony Elanga and Harvey Barnes positioned on the wings. Goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen, who has been recovering from an ankle ailment, could return to the matchday squad.
Newcastle arrives at Monday’s fixture unbeaten after two league matches. Jaissle’s side came back from 2-0 down to draw with Bournemouth in its latest Premier League outing, then advanced past Millwall in midweek cup play. The club also carries a six-game unbeaten streak in Premier League meetings with Leeds United, including January’s 4-3 win at St. James’ Park.
The Premier League fixture at Elland Road is scheduled to kick off at 20:00 BST (3:00 p.m. ET) on Monday, Sept. 14, 2026. Live television coverage in the United Kingdom will be broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League.
