Three big Leeds United questions to be answered vs Newcastle
Daniel Farke has plenty to ponder ahead of Leeds United's clash with Newcastle United on Monday night.
The sides enter the contest level on five points apiece after the first three rounds of Premier League fixtures.
Leeds started with a victory at Nottingham Forest, before drawing against Brentford and Brighton.
Newcastle, meanwhile, have drawn with Liverpool and Bournemouth either side of a 2-0 win away at Tottenham Hotspur.
Leeds have had five days to prepare for the game on the back of their disappointing collapse at Chelsea in the Carabao Cup.
And there has been a lot for Farke to think about heading into Monday's clash at Elland Road.
Can Leeds stop over-performing Newcastle's attack?
Newcastle have scored six goals so far, which is double the number that Leeds have managed.
However, the stats show Newcastle have only registered an expected goals (xG) value of three.
That means they have scored exactly double the number of goals you would expect based on the quality of chances created.
Yoane Wissa already looks a lot better than last season, while Harvey Barnes, Joe Willock and Anthony Elanga have also been a threat.
It will likely be down to Tarik Muharemovic, Nico Elvedi, James Justin and Jayden Bogle to keep those four quiet.
With Newcastle scoring an average of two goals a game, doing that will be a very tough ask.
Can Dominic Calvert-Lewin punish Newcastle?
At the opposite end of the field, Leeds' attackers will back themselves to find a way through.
The Whites have eight goals from five matches in all competitions, three of those coming in the dramatic contest at Stamford Bridge.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin was a second-half substitute in West London and found the net to make it two goals for the season.
The 29-year-old registered an xG of 0.56 against Brighton but could not find a killer edge in front of goal.
After a superb first season in West Yorkshire, Farke will know the importance of DCL finding his groove once again.
The fact Newcastle have shipped four goals in three matches suggests there will be opportunities for Calvert-Lewin to add to his tally.
Will Daniel Farke consider a formation change?
Farke has stuck with his back-five formation so far this season, which worked wonders in 2025-26.
The German did shift to a back four at half-time against Brentford, with that also working well.
There were suggestions in pre-season Leeds would potentially move more towards a back four.
But it does not seem the right time to do so given the Whites' unbeaten start.
However, it is nice to know Farke is able to tinker in-game if required.