Leeds United and Newcastle meet in a league fixture at Elland Road for the first time since 2003 this weekend in what looks set to be a Championship classic.

Garry Monk's men have revived their fortunes following a disturbing start to the season and have now claimed three wins on the bounce as they look to stage a slightly delayed promotion push.

But Newcastle aren't exactly easy opposition - in fact, quite the opposite. Indeed, the Magpies have absolutely dominated the division so far this term and have claimed seven wins from their last seven Championship outings.

Rafa Benitez’s side were the pre-season favourites to make an instant return to the Premier League and its so far so good for the Spaniard, with the Magpies lying eight points clear of third-placed Huddersfield Town before this weekend.

Here are three reasons why Newcastle will beat Leeds in front of a sell-out crowd at Elland Road on Sunday to take their winning run to eight games.

Momentum

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Newcastle have won their last seven matches in the Championship to create a significant lead at the top of the table, and there doesn’t seem to be any stopping Rafa Benitez’s side at this current time.

As well as the fact that they are winning games as they look for an instant return to the Premier League, they are also firing in attack having scored 34 times in their 16 league fixtures, with the likes of Dwight Gayle and Aleksandar Mitrovic hitting the net on a regular basis.

Away form

Barnsley v Newcastle United - Sky Bet Championship

Of their eight away matches this term, Newcastle have won six and drawn one, with their only defeat on the road coming on the opening day of the season at Fulham.

Since that day in August they have been almost unbeatable on their travels – with a standout result coming in the 6-0 win against QPR at Loftus Road in September – and Rafa Benitez will be confident of his side taking another three points back to Tyneside on Sunday.

Defence

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While they have been impressive in attack, the Magpies’ defence has also excelled this season – especially away from home.

Led by summer signing Ciaran Clark and Jamaal Lascelles at centre-back, Benitez’s men have only conceded three times on the road.

The former Real Madrid manager will know the importance of a clean sheet at Elland Road on Sunday, as he will be confident of his side scoring at least one at the other end of the pitch to give them yet another three points.