Prediction: Newcastle vs Leicester

Prediction: Newcastle win

Best Odds: 22/5

Bookmaker: 888sport

The new year is officially upon us and it’s time to start thinking positively – from the vaccine to the Premier League and beyond. There are going to be some pretty significant bumps in the road over the course of the next few months but if fans are able to distract themselves with some great football, that can only be viewed as a bonus. Today, we’re going to take a look at what should be an intriguing clash of styles between Newcastle United and Leicester City.

Newcastle

Newcastle United fans are probably going to have to come to terms with the fact that Steve Bruce will be their manager until at least the end of the season – unless they go on a dreadful run between now and then. Their football isn’t the nicest to watch and they certainly aren’t one of the elite clubs within the top flight anymore, but supporters will forever hold onto the idea that they could become a force to be reckoned with again one day.

Team News

Lascelles and Saint-Maximin are both going to miss out on this one as a result of them testing positive for COVID-19. Hendrick and Dummett are both doubts with Hayden still being suspended, whereas the only confirmed injury absence is Hayden.

Leicester

The rise of Leicester City in the last five years has been pretty incredible to watch, as we now find ourselves in a situation whereby it’s hard to think of them not being regular top six contenders. It only takes a few slip-ups to alter that trajectory but based on what they’ve been producing so far this season, we don’t think their decline is going to come into force just yet.

Team News

Soyuncu has been tipped to return to the starting XI for the visitors with Under, Fofana and Maddison all being doubtful. Ndidi, Vardy and Tielemans should all make their way back into the starting line-up with the only confirmed absence in this one being Pereira.

Factors to Consider

• In their last meeting on New Year’s Day 2020, Leicester beat Newcastle 3-0.
• Newcastle have won one, drawn two and lost three of their last six games.
• Leicester have won three, drawn two and lost one of their last six games.
• Newcastle have scored five goals and conceded 10 in their last six games.
• Leicester have scored 10 goals and conceded five in their last six games.

Conclusion

Despite what the form book may imply, we actually think this is going to be a really tricky game for Leicester. They tend to get pretty frustrated when things don’t go their way and on the flip side, Newcastle are very capable of frustrating the top teams in the league – as they were able to prove against Liverpool. We’re going to back them to spring a surprise in the form of a 3-1 win that lifts the Magpies’ survival hopes, and in the process, reminds Leicester that they still have a long way to go.

Prediction: Newcastle win

Best Odds: 22/5

Bookmaker: 888sport