Newcastle United v Leeds United: Capital One Cup match preview

A look ahead to tonight’s Capital One Cup fixture at St. James’ Park

Loïc Rémy celebrates one of his two goals for Newcastle (AFP\Getty)

Newcastle and Leeds go into this third round fixture on the back of home defeats in their respective league campaigns.

Alan Pardew’s men succumbed to a 3-2 defeat against newly promoted Hull City despite taking the lead on two occasions through goals from Loic Remy.

Yohan Cabaye was forced off with a groin injury during the loss and is doubtful. Shola Ameobi and Steven Taylor also face a battle to be fit.

Pardew may elect to field a weakened side as he did for their late victory over Morecambe in the previous round, where the Ameobi brothers of Sammy and Shola both struck in a 2-0 win.

Leeds are bidding to bounce back from a 2-1 loss to Burnley at Elland Road, which dropped them to 13th in the Championship table.

Based on their current form, Brian McDermott will be pleased to be facing Newcastle on away turf.

All of their past three wins have been as visitors, and they haven’t a home win since beating Chesterfield in the first round of the League Cup back at the beginning of August.

Defender Sam Byram came through his first appearance since April unscathed, but he will need to prove his fitness if he is to feature on Wednesday.

KICK-OFF: Wednesday, 7.45pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Newcastle United 1 (Shearer) Leeds United 0, Premier League, January 2004

Leeds United 2 (Viduka, Smith) Newcastle United 2 (Shearer 2), Premier League, August 2003

Leeds United 0 Newcastle United 3 (Dyer 2, Shearer), Premier League, February 2003

STATS…

Newcastle and Leeds haven’t met in any domestic competition since the Yorkshire club's relegation from the Premier League in 2004.

The last League Cup clash between the pair took place in 1982, where Leeds thrashed Newcastle 4-1 after extra-time.

The two sides boast an equal 37 victories over each other in their history, with 17 games ending in draws in the 91 between the sides.

Alan Shearer scored 9 times in 10 appearances against Leeds whilst wearing a black and white shirt.

ODDS…

Newcastle to win: 1.74

Leeds to win: 5.3

Draw: 3.95

TV: Highlights on BBC, Wednesday at 11.05pm