Leeds United will face a stern test in their final pre season friendly when a strong Newcastle United side come to Elland Road on Sunday.
Former Leeds assistant manager John Carver, who is now in the same position at Newcastle, is seeing the game as a good workout for Newcastle as they prepare for their opening game of the season against Arsenal on August 13th.
Speaking in the Journal, Carver said, “A game at Elland Road with a great home crowd, a decent away following and good opposition will be a real test and – although it`s up to the manager – I`m sure you`ll see a team that is closer to the one that starts against Arsenal.
“We`ve got a few important players coming back in. Yohan Cabaye trained with the reserves on Friday, as did Ryan Taylor and Joey Barton, Mike Williamson, Danny Simpson and James Perch will all be back too.
“The only real absences will be Cheick Tiote, who is sorting out his visa in Ghana, Hatem (Ben Arfa), Shane Ferguson and Danny Guthrie.”
Carver is also expecting former Leeds favourite Alan Smith to play some part in the game as he returns to Elland Road as a player for the first time since leaving in 2004. Alan`s had quite a bit of playing time in pre-season and he will be involved I`m sure.
“Obviously it`s up to the manager but I can`t see any reason why he wouldn`t be,” he continued.
It will be the first chance for many Leeds fans to see summer signings Paul Rachubka, Michael Brown and Andy Lonergan.
It is still unsure whether trialists Alexandre Mendy and Boldiszar Bodor will play any part in the game.
Leeds still have a number of injury worries with Andy O`Brien, Ben Parker and Robert Snodgrass all carrying knock.
With this the last scheduled pre season friendly before the new season starts, Leeds boss Simon Grayson has indicated that he may arrange a friendly match on Tuesday, most probably behind closed doors.
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