Bruno Guimaraes has reassured Newcastle United fans that the team remains united and focused despite a recent defeat and transfer speculation. Newcastle faces Leeds United in their next match, seeking their first league win of the season. Leeds United, on the other hand, are coming off two consecutive defeats and will be looking to bounce back. Key players to watch include Anton Stach for Leeds and Harvey Barnes for Newcastle. Opta’s win probability favors Newcastle with 44.7%.
Bruno Guimaraes has issued a rallying cry to Newcastle United fans, assuring them that the team remains united and determined despite a heartbreaking defeat against Liverpool and the ongoing transfer speculation surrounding Alexander Isak. The Magpies suffered a 3-2 loss at St. James' Park on Monday, with Liverpool, who have reportedly had a bid rejected for Isak this summer, snatching a late winner through Rio Ngumoha. The defeat was compounded by a straight red card for Anthony Gordon following a foul on Virgil van Dijk.
Guimaraes, who scored Newcastle's first goal in the match, insists that the team's focus has already shifted to their upcoming fixture against Leeds United as they seek their first league win of the season. "We are never going to give up. I think our mindset is very good as a group," Guimaraes told Sky Sports, emphasizing the positive atmosphere within the squad. "This is one of the best groups I’ve ever been involved in. The guys are always positive. It’s in the difficult moments and in the good moments we are always united, always together. This is part of football."
He added, "Like I said, our plan for the team is to always try and play our best. Saturday, we have a new opportunity against Leeds to try and get three points."
Wor skipper. pic.twitter.com/Da3aPrAqQP
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) August 25, 2025
Meanwhile, Leeds United are coming off a contrasting week. Following a heavy 5-0 defeat to Arsenal in the league, they suffered a further setback with a penalty shootout loss to Sheffield Wednesday in the EFL Cup. Manager Daniel Farke expressed his embarrassment after the defeat to the Championship side, acknowledging the need for self-criticism.
"We have to take all of the criticism, and we are self-critical because out of all the chances we should put four or five goals to bed," said Farke. "It’s always a bit annoying, and you feel a bit embarrassed as a Premier League side, but we have been involved in so many games on this level, especially in the cup – this is why there are so many surprises and shock results. Even the team in the lower league can win such a game. This was one of those days."
Players to Watch:
Leeds United – Anton Stach
Anton Stach has quickly established himself as a key player for Leeds since his arrival from Hoffenheim this summer. The midfielder leads the team in chances created in the Premier League this season, with seven. He has been directly involved in 11 of their 24 shots, contributing four attempts himself, showcasing his importance to the Leeds attack.
Newcastle – Harvey Barnes
With Anthony Gordon suspended for the upcoming match, Harvey Barnes is presented with a significant opportunity to make an impact for Newcastle. Barnes boasts an impressive record against Leeds, having scored five goals in six Premier League appearances against them while playing for Leicester City between 2020 and 2022, netting in five consecutive games. Between the 2020-21 and 2022-23 seasons, only Mohamed Salah (nine) and Bruno Fernandes (eight) scored more often against Leeds than Barnes.
Match Prediction – Newcastle Win
Leeds are currently enjoying a strong run of form at home, remaining unbeaten in their last 21 home league games, winning 18 and drawing 3. This is their joint-best run under their current manager. Their last longer run was between January 2009 and January 2010 (25 in League One), while in the top-two tiers their previous best run was between May 1991 and November 1992 (31).
Newcastle are one of only two sides that Daniel Farke has faced more than once in the Premier League without suffering a defeat (W1 D1). The other is Bournemouth; the Cherries were managed by Eddie Howe in those two games in 2019-20, making him one of two managers Farke has faced twice and not lost against, along with Steve Bruce.
Leeds have a decent record in their recent Premier League encounters against Newcastle, losing just one of their last six games (W2 D3), with that defeat coming in a 1-0 loss at home in January 2022. However, Newcastle have a strong away record against Leeds, winning 50% of their Premier League away games (seven from 14), which represents their highest win rate against any side they have faced 10 or more times on the road.
Newcastle's recent form has been inconsistent, losing three of their last four Premier League matches (D1), more than in their previous 11 games (W8 D1 L2). The Magpies last had a longer winless run between September and October 2024 (five games). Howe’s side could struggle in the final third without Gordon. He has had more shots than any other Premier League player this season (10), and only three players have had more touches in the opposition box (12).
Opta Win Probability
Leeds United – 29.5%
Draw – 25.8%
Newcastle 44.7%