Verdict: Alexander Isak to score anytime
Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Seeking a crucial Premier League boost this weekend, Newcastle will welcome Leicester to St. James’ Park on Saturday afternoon.
Newcastle
Starting with the hosts, while Newcastle might have entered November’s international break with a flurry, Eddie Howe’s men have come crashing back down to earth in a worrying fashion. Eventually falling to a dramatic 4-2 loss away at Brentford last weekend, it appears that the former Bournemouth boss has some mounting pressure on his shoulders at St. James’ Park. Sliding out the top-half of the table, Newcastle have collected just a pair of points from any of their previous four Premier League appearances. Marking their return from November’s international break with a shock 2-0 defeat at home against West Ham, Howe’s side have shown some glaring defensive issues. Despite playing out an action-packed 3-3 stalemate against Liverpool on December 4th, the Magpies have shipped 10 goals on their four-match losing rut.
Newcastle Team News
Yet to make a single appearance so far this season and still sidelined with a long-term knee injury, Dutch defender Sven Botman remains on the sidelines. Forced to settle for a spot on the bench at Brentford last weekend, former AC Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali could be handed a full recall at St. James’ Park.
Bagging what was a consolation strike in west London last week and recording a sixth Premier League goal of the season, Alexander Isak will play a leading role here. Recently returning from a knock, Kieran Trippier will be hoping to get some more minuets under his belt.
Leicester
As for the visitors, mounting what was a sensational late comeback at home against Brighton last weekend as they snatched a 2-2 stalemate at the King Power, Leicester have certainly claimed a recent boost. Getting Ruud van Nistelrooy’s tenure off to a dream start on Deceiver 3rd as they stormed their way to a 3-1 victory against West Ham, the Foxes now hold a five-point buffer over the drop zone. Simply looking to avoid an immediate Championship return this season, Saturday’s guests will know the importance of finding their own defensive steel. Signing off November with a 4-1 drumming at the hands of Brentford, Leicester have put just a single clean sheet on the board and have already conceded 30 Premier League strikes so far this season. Likewise, falling to a 2-0 loss when they last travelled to St. James’ Park for an EFL Cup showdown last year, the Blues should be bracing themselves for another stern examination.
Leicester Team News
Shown what was a costly second-half booking against Brighton last weekend, Boubakary Soumare will miss out through suspension here. Likewise, yet to feature since returning from November’s international break, Issahaku Fatawu remains on the sidelines with a knee injury.
However, missing out against his parent club last week, Brighton loanee Facundo Buoanotte will return on Saturday afternoon. Now finding the net in back-to-back Premier League appearances since opening December, attacking talisman Jamie Vardy will lead the line at St. James’ Park.
Newcastle vs Leicester Key Factors to Consider
- When Newcastle and Leicester last met at St. James’ Park back in January 2023 for an EFL Cup showdown, the Magpies collected a 2-0 win.
- Newcastle have collected just a pair of points from their previous four Premier League appearances.
- The Magpies have conceded 10 goals on that four-match winless rut.
- Leicester have recorded just a single win from any of their previous nine meetings against Premier League opposition.
- The Foxes have conceded at least a pair of goals in six of their first seven Premier League appearances away from the King Power.
Conclusion
Enduring what has been a public struggle since returning from November’s international break, Newcastle will have plenty of pressure on their shoulders here. Without a win from any of their previous four Premier League appearances and sliding out the top-half of the table, Howe’s men are facing what is a crucial showdown when they return to St. James’ Park this weekend. Showing some glaring defensive issues, Saturday’s hosts will be hoping to cash in on a Leicester squad that have drastically failed to find any kind of stability away from the King Power.
Verdict: Alexander Isak to score anytime
Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker: Dachbet
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