Dominic Calvert-Lewin set to play star role in Leeds vs Newcastle as remarkable stat emerges
Dominic Calvert-Lewin will play a key part in Leeds’ visit to Newcastle on Wednesday.
Calvert-Lewin has scored seven goals in his last eight Leeds matches, a run which has helped steer Daniel Farke’s side away from the relegation zone.
Although Leeds drew 0-0 with Newcastle in August, this meeting promises to be different, with both sides finding the back of the net in three of their last four respective games.
The Whites are unbeaten in seven Premier League matches, and Calvert-Lewin has thrived playing alongside another strike partner, whether that be Noah Okafor or Lukas Nmecha.
The English striker has been unstoppable throughout December, and his exceptional record against the Magpies in the past is a positive omen ahead of the clash.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has only scored more goals against Crystal Palace than Newcastle
Leeds fans should be confident that they can beat Newcastle due to their fine form over the last six weeks, and especially given how well Calvert-Lewin’s career in LS11 has begun.
The 28-year-old scored twice in Leeds’ 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Elland Road on 20 December, becoming the first Whites star to score in five successive top-flight games since Mark Viduka back in 2003.
He then went on to score in the following game against Sunderland, and there’s arguably no forward in England who is in a richer vein of form than the 28-year-old.
Calvert-Lewin has scored six goals against Newcastle in the Premier League, only netting more against Crystal Palace (seven) in the competition.
His brace against the Magpies in December 2019 helped Everton to a 2-1 win at St James’ Park, and he’ll be hoping for more of the same in Wednesday’s clash.
| Opponent | Appearances | Goals |
| Crystal Palace | 17 | 7 |
| Newcastle | 17 | 6 |
| West Ham | 14 | 6 |
| Burnley, Chelsea | 13 | 4 |
According to FotMob, he has overperformed his xG by 1.03 this season, scoring his eight goals from just 17 shots on target.
He has been incredibly clinical since Farke decided to use the 3-5-2 tactic, and Leeds would be in an even better position in the table if one of Nmecha or Okafor could also hit a good run of form.
Who suits Calvert-Lewin better as a strike partner – Lucas Nmecha or Noah Okafor?
Okafor has two goals in the league this season, and although Nmecha has four, he hasn’t secured his place in the starting line-up just yet due to injuries.
The Switzerland international started against Sunday’s draw against Man United, and his pace caused huge amounts of problems behind their defence.
Okafor has had 50 touches in the opposition box and completed 28 successful dribbles this season, blowing the 27-year-old’s numbers out of the water.
In comparison, the German forward has completed just one successful dribble and has had 26 touches in the opposition area.
Having registered 20 shots to Nmecha’s 14, all the underlying stats point to the Swiss striker being the man Farke should trust to lead the line.
Calvert-Lewin suits playing alongside Okafor’s agility and guile a lot more, but until he can start finding the back of the net consistently, a case will always be made for Nmecha to start over him.