Newcastle vs Leicester City Predictions & Tips

Leicester produced an impressive 2-1 win at PSV in the Europa Conference League in midweek, booking a European semi-final for the Foxes. They have now got all of their hopes in the European basket, given that competition is their last shot at both silverware and a place in Europe next term.

While the Foxes are coming off a huge high in their return from the Netherlands, refocusing minds for the Premier League could prove to be a challenge. The Foxes are currently ninth in the table and could kick-on to secure a top 10 finish, but with the prospect of a European semi-final to come and with rotation inevitable, their league form could suffer.

Newcastle out to book survival

With a 10-point cushion over the bottom three, Eddie Howe looks to have guaranteed Newcastle’s Premier League status. A win this weekend would basically make that official, while it could move the Magpies into the mix for a top-half finish.

In 2022, Newcastle have the fifth-highest points tally in the Premier League, picking up just a point less than Manchester City. The Magpies have won seven of 12 games in this calendar year, showing the improvements made by Howe’s arrival and their January spending.

An impressive 1-0 win over Wolves last weekend ended a three-game losing streak for Howe’s men, while it was their fourth straight home victory.

Defensive issues and travel troubles

Not to ruin Leicester’s finest moment of the campaign, but some of their most glaring issues are on show in this trip to the North-east. The Foxes haven’t been the best travellers in the division, losing seven of 14 away trips this term. Meanwhile, their defence has been exposed far too often.

Leicester have conceded the highest share of Premier League goals from set pieces in the competition this term (33.3% – 16/48). Excluding penalties, Newcastle have scored a higher share than any other side (38.2% – 13/34). The hosts have Fabian Schar who averages 0.8 set piece shots per game, scoring twice in their last six. Given Leicester’s problems, Schar is a great price to score.

Given Newcastle’s form and their recent record at home I think they’re good value for the points in this clash. Leicester have issues to deal with on top of recent distractions, so I’m backing the Magpies for the victory. With the Foxes conceding exactly two goals per away trip, a 2-0 home win is my correct score prediction.

Newcastle predicted lineup: Dubravka; Krafth, Schar, Burn, Targett; Guimaraes, Shelvey, Joelinton; Almiron, Wood, Saint-Maximin

Leicester predicted lineup: Schmeichel; Justin, Amartey, Soyuncu, Thomas; Tielemans, Mendy; Maddison, Dewsbury-Hall, Barnes; Daka