Newcastle United will look to take another step closer to an instant return to the Premier League when they play host to fellow promotion contenders Leeds United at St James’ Park on Good Friday.

The Magpies suffered a slight setback when they were beaten 2-1 by Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough last Saturday, but a defeat for third-placed Huddersfield Town on the same day saw the gap between the two stay at 10 points.

Toon manager Rafa Benitez will be keen for his side to get back to winning ways in what is a hugely important Championship clash on Tyneside.

Meanwhile, Garry Monk’s side are in fifth position and bounced back from successive losses on the road to beat Preston North End 3-0 at Elland Road last time out, but their spot in the play-offs is far from secure as they lie just five points above seventh-placed Fulham.

Here are three reasons Newcastle will beat Leeds on Friday…

They will get goals

While the Magpies’ home form is only the sixth best in the Championship this season, there is no doubt that they are a force when it comes to scoring goals at St James’ Park.

Only Norwich City – who were helped by their 7-1 thrashing of Reading last weekend – and table-toppers Brighton and Hove Albion have scored more at their respective stadiums, and Rafa Benitez’s side will be confident that they will find the net when Leeds make the trip north.

Even though top goalscorer Dwight Gayle is likely to be out with a hamstring problem, the likes of Daryl Murphy, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Matt Ritchie have the ability to step up to the plate.

Promotion motivation

Newcastle are on the cusp of promotion to the Premier League and Rafa Benitez will be telling his side to go out and get it wrapped up as soon as possible.

If they don’t the nerves could start to creep in over the final couple matches of the season, and that wouldn’t be a positive for the players or the supporters alike.

Taking all three points against Leeds would virtually see them go up, especially with Huddersfield facing difficult Easter fixtures against play-off hopefuls Preston North End and Derby County.

Leeds United's away form

While Garry Monk’s side have made Elland Road a real fortress this season, their away form has been patchy at best and they are not good travellers.

The Yorkshire outfit only have the eighth best record on the road in the Championship and they have lost nine of their 20 fixtures on the road – including successive losses to Reading and Brentford before their win against Preston North End at home last weekend.

Rafa Benitez will know that the Whites are vulnerable and he will hope that his team can exploit those weaknesses.

Do you agree, Magpies fans? Let us know below.