Prediction: Newcastle vs Leicester

Prediction: Newcastle win

Best Odds: 6/10

Bookmaker: 888sport

As one round of cup action ends, we move on to another in the form of the League Cup quarter-finals. We are down to the last eight clubs in this year’s competition and with that famous stadium in sight, all of these teams will know they are in with a real chance of reaching the final. Today, we’ll be taking a look at a meeting between two classic clubs from the history of English football – Newcastle United and Leicester City.

Newcastle

Newcastle are in the midst of an incredible season and it all began back in August, with one of their first victories being a narrow 2-1 success over Tranmere in the second round of the League Cup. In November, they required penalties to get past fellow Premier League side Crystal Palace, before seeing off Bournemouth 1-0 in the round of 16 in their first game after the winter break came to an end.

Team News

Targett, Shelvey and Krafth have all been ruled out of this one with Saint-Maximin still being seen as a fitness concern.

Leicester

Leicester’s road to the quarter-finals has been pretty fortunate in terms of the teams they’ve faced. They took on Stockport in the second round, only managing to get through thanks to a penalty shootout win. Things were a bit simpler against Newport County, with a comfortable 3-0 win sending them into the RO16 in style. Then, on December 20th, they repeated that scoreline with MK Dons being the victims.

Team News

The injury list is pretty extensive for Brendan Rodgers right now with the following players being on the shelf: Dewsbury-Hall, Maddison, Bertrand, Pereira, Justin, Praet, Soumare and Evans.

Factors to Consider

• In their last meeting on Boxing Day, Newcastle beat Leicester 3-0.
• Newcastle have won three, drawn two and lost one of their last six games.
• Leicester have won three and lost three of their last six games.
• Newcastle have scored six goals and conceded two in their last six games.
• Leicester have scored seven goals and conceded six in their last six games.

Conclusion

Leicester, we expect, will put up a better account of themselves than they did against the Magpies in the league. It’s going to be important for them to take their time and pick their moments, given how well Newcastle are faring at the back right now. Alas, we still don’t think it’ll be enough, with the hosts scoring a late winner to send themselves through to the semi-finals – just one step away from Wembley.

Prediction: Newcastle win

Best Odds: 6/10

Bookmaker: 888sport