Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Prediction: Newcastle vs Leicester

Verdict: Leicester win 

Best Odds:  19/10

Bookmaker: Bet365

On Saturday evening, Rafa Benitez’s misfiring Newcastle side will be playing host to a revitalized Leicester City team who are enjoying a fine run of form under new boss Claude Puel. Without a win in their last six Premier League appearances, the Magpies will be hoping it’s seventh time lucky.

Newcastle

For the Magpies, they are a side in turmoil both on and off the pitch. Although they might be sat five points above the relegation zone in 15th spot, Newcastle are a team freefalling down the table. Rafa Benitez saw his side come away with a 3-1 loss at Stamford Bridge last weekend meaning that Newcastle are without a win in the league since the end of October. Picking up a single point out of an available 18, the Magpies have now lost five out of their last six games.

It has been Newcastle’s defensive issues that have been their biggest downfall this season. In their last four top-flight outings, the Geordie’s have shipped 12 goals, averaging at least four goals per game. Even more worryingly for the Toon Army, they have only managed to score four in reply, with no recognised goalscorer, no Newcastle player has scored more than two goals this season. If Newcastle want to turn their season back around, they will also need to improve on their form at St James’. Coming off the back of consecutive home defeats to Bournemouth and Watford, this could be the first time Newcastle fail to score in three successive league games.

Team News

Rafa Benitez will be glad to hear that club captain Jamaal Lascelles has overcome an injury that has seen him sidelined for past five weeks. The English defender had been Newcastle’s standout player prior to his injury, Lascelles could be immediately recalled to Newcastle’s starting XI.

Along with Newcastle’s captain, fellow defender Paul Dummett is also due to make his return. The full-back has been out since picking up an injury on the opening day of the season. After dropping out of the Magpies XI last weekend, Jonjo Shelvey and Christian Atsu could be recalled.

Leicester

While their hosts on Saturday evening might be on a dismal run of form, Leicester are currently a side enjoying life under their new boss. Since Claude Puel took over from Craig Shakespeare at the end of October, the Foxes’ have picked up an impressive 14 points out of a possible 21 and their only defeat has come against runaway league leaders Manchester City. Travelling to St James’ this weekend, Puel’s side will be filled with confidence. With back to back wins over Burnley and Tottenham, Leicester’s recent form has seen them climb up to ninth in the table.

For the Foxes’ although they might be unbeaten in their last five matches away from the King Power Stadium, four of those have ended in a draw and Puel will be keen on improving their results away from home. A key factor is Leicester’s recent turnaround has been the form of key players Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy. With seven Premier League goals this year, the England international is the clubs top scorer this season. While Egyptian winger Mahrez has been directly involved in the Foxes’ last six goals.

Team News

Leicester have no new fitness concerns, with Demarai Gray fully recovered from his collision with a post when scoring the winner against Burnley last week. Robert Huth and Matty James are long-term absentees for the Foxes’.

Key Factors to Consider

  • Leicester have won the last four meetings without conceding a goal. The three most recent games were in the Premier League.
  • Newcastle have only picked up one point from their last six Premier League matches.
  • The Foxes’ have gone five Premier League away matches without defeat, although four of those were drawn.
  • Jamie Vardy is one goal away from 50 in the Premier League. He will be the first Leicester City player to reach this milestone.
  • No player has scored more than two Premier League goals for Newcastle this season.

Conclusion

On paper, it appears to be another tough day at the office for Rafa Benitez’s Newcastle side. Given their recent defensive issues, Leicester will be confident about capitalising on the Magpies troubles at St. James’ park. With the Foxes’ managing to find the net at least once in eight of their last nine, the inform Jamie Vardy will be looking to add to his seven goals this year. We suspect that Claude Puel’s side will carry on their recent fine form and leave the north-west with three points.

Verdict: Leicester win

Best Odds:  19/10

Bookmaker: Bet365

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tom Dunstan


Formerly of The Independent, Tom has spent the past six years as one of our senior writers and betting experts. Alongside working with numerous publications from across the globe, Tom also graduated from the University of Falmouth in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Digital Media.
Spending almost the past decade working in countries such as Australia, New Zealand and Canada, he has also spent time featuring in sports radio. Tom can be followed on Instagram - @iamtomdunstan

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