How Newcastle can replace Jacob Murphy vs Leeds

Newcastle United travel to Elland Road this evening to face Leeds United, looking to maintain their unbeaten start to Matthias Jaissle’s tenure as manager.

The Magpies have netted two or more goals in four of the five games since the German took charge, but they do well to emulate such a record later on tonight.

Daniel Farke’s men have failed to beat the Magpies in Yorkshire since December 2020, with the first-team only netting two or more goals in two of the last seven encounters.

However, if Jaissle’s men are to have the best chance of securing another vital victory, it’s vital the manager drops one player after his display in the Carabao Cup.

Why Jaissle needs to drop Murphy against Leeds
As part of the squad rotation for the recent clash against Millwall this week, Jaissle decided to hand winger Jacob Murphy an opportunity to stake his claim for a regular role.

The Englishman looked close to leaving St James’ Park during deadline day, after fellow Premier League side Nottingham Forest made a £15m offer for the 31-year-old attacker.

However, the manager decided to keep hold of the forward, with the experienced star able to provide a leadership role within the dressing room during his first season at the helm.

As a result, he was handed a start against the Championship side on Tuesday night, but his stats from such a clash showcase his inability to deliver within the final third.

Murphy’s end product was way below the standard expected of the experienced star, with the winger only completing one of the 10 crosses he made into the opposition’s area.

The attacker’s lack of quality in midweek was further reflected in his wasteful nature in possession, as he gave the ball back to the hosts on 14 separate occasions.

His failure to impress against Championship opposition highlights his struggles as of late, with the forward evidently not at the level needed to star on Tyneside in 2026/27.