YEP fans’ jury: Why Leeds United fans feel the ‘Rodrigo experiment’ at No 10 isn’t working

The victory, if it comes, will be a close-run thing in their view and they’re also of the opinion that the ‘Rodrigo experiment’ at No 10 isn’t working out and should be halted. At least for the time being.

That, they suggest, paves the way for Mateusz Klich to return and add solidity to the midfield.

Check out what else they have to say:

JACOB STARR

Friday night will be a real marker of where this Leeds United squad is at, as we travel to relegation candidates and fellow slow starters Newcastle.

Despite it being only five games into the Premier League season, the contest at St James’ could prove to be a pivotal one this early on, with passions likely to heat up within both sets of fans depending on the result.

Both defences have been leaky to this point, so it could be a case of which is the least leaky and, with Leeds a bit thin at centre-back, the task is made even more difficult.

The Whites won the same fixture 2-1 last campaign, although the Magpies may have thought they deserved a draw based on the run of play. I imagine this season will be another close encounter, especially with 50,000 Geordies in the stands. The Rodrigo-at-No-10 experiment still hasn’t really paid off, so I would hope someone like Mateusz Klich comes into the starting 11, with the Spaniard being used more as an impact sub’.

I’m backing us to get our first victory and kick on from there.

Prediction: Newcastle United 1 Leeds United 2.

ANDY RHODES

After a difficult afternoon against Liverpool on Sunday, Leeds will be hoping the trip to Newcastle will be an easier task to manage.

The Magpies are one of only three sides below United in the table and have struggled so far, conceding 12 goals in just four games. Leeds, then, will be eyeing three points and a win here is now crucial. The longer the wait goes on for the first win, the more the pressure will build. Like last season, width and pace are United’s strengths going forward. Jack Harrison, Raphinha and Dan James all had joy out wide last week despite Liverpool’s miserly defence.

However, Leeds will be wary of the threat carried by their hosts. In their two home games so far, they have scored four times and the pace of Allan Saint-Maximin has been their main asset.

United brushed Newcastle aside in both fixtures last season but, with the pressure mounting, could nerves begin to creep in? There’s plenty of time left but no one wants to lbe ‘looking at the table’ even at this early stage.

Prediction: Newcastle United 2 Leeds United 3.

DAVID WATKINS

Results have not gone well, of that we can’t argue.

What is up for debate though is whether that’s more to do with the quality of the opposition than any particular shortcomings of our own.

Three of our early opponents are in the top four but I think even the most blinkered Leeds fan would also accept that many of our players have not exactly delivered of their best.

So, Newcastle looks like a game that will give us a much better sense of what we can expect for the rest of the season.