Newcastle United will look to take another step towards Premier League safety when they lock horns with Leicester City at St James’ Park on Sunday afternoon.
Since the turn of the year, Newcastle United have looked like a totally different outfit from the one that started the season. They managed to steer themselves out of the relegation zone and seemingly to safety after a run of six wins in seven matches.
However, the recent run of three defeats in a row, along with Everton, Burnley and Watford all picking up some points, has left some people wondering whether they will be dragged back into the relegation battle. But, the Magpies put those talks to bed as they returned to winning ways with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Wolves last Friday.
Although not mathematically safe, the Magpies will feel their current tally of 34 points should be enough to help them over the line and survive the drop. It may now be more of a case that Eddie Howe’s team are looking up the table, while some individuals play for their futures at the club ahead of a major squad overhaul expected at St James’ Park this summer.
Meanwhile, Leicester City have fallen considerably short of expectations this season. But they have collected 13 points from the last 18 available to climb into the top half of the standings. Their most recent league game ended in a 2-1 win against Crystal Palace.
While it has been a disappointing season for the King Power faithful, they may yet envisage their adored team hoisting a piece of European silverware after reaching the Europa Conference League semi-finals with a dramatic 2-1 win at PSV Eindhoven on Thursday. Leicester will face an even tougher match against Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma if they are to secure their place in the final.
But the Conference League semi-finalists must now shift their focus to solidifying a top-half berth in the Premier League, and this Newcastle tie is a crucial step along that pathway.
Team News & Tactics
Newcastle United
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— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) April 15, 2022
Newcastle will remain without Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson for this game, although the injured pair are making strong progress in their respective recoveries. Manager Eddie Howe is sweating over the fitness of Ryan Fraser, who sustained a hamstring injury last time out. Should the Scottish winger miss out, Miguel Almiron or Jacob Murphy are on standby.
Jamal Lewis, Isaac Hayden, and Ciaran Clark remain out of contention, while Joe Willock (knee) and Federico Fernandez work their way back to full fitness. Eddie Howe will certainly opt for his preferred 4-3-3 formation with only one change expected from the last game.
Martin Dubravka will continue to operate between the sticks for the hosts. The Slovak shot-stopper will be protected by the central defensive pairing of Fabian Schar and Dan Burn. But they need to be wary of the speed of Leicester’s frontline, in particular the rapid acceleration of Patson Daka.
Emil Krafth has nailed down the right full-back position ahead of Javier Manquillo, while Matt Targett will slot in on the other flank, offering an outlet in forward areas. Jonjo Shelvey will anchor the Magpies’ midfield as he looks to try and dictate the tempo.
Bruno Guimaraes produced a masterclass against the Wolves last time out. The Brazilian is a complete midfield package; with his ability to play progressive passes and carry the ball forward, he can initiate attacks by himself, while having the steeliness to break up the opposition play. Midfield workhorse Joelinton will join Shelvey and Bruno to complete the midfield trio.
Allan Saint-Maximin will once again be the dangerman for the Magpies down the left flank, as he continues to be the team’s primary ball carrier and will pose a threat to Leicester’s backline, especially on turnovers.
Meanwhile, Almiron should get a nod ahead of Murphy on the right flank owing to his proclivity for making runs in behind and tireless work rate to initiate the first press. Chris Wood has kind of reinvented his role for the benefit of the team and will continue to spearhead the attack.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Dubravka; Krafth, Schar, Burn, Targett; Guimaraes, Shelvey, Joelinton; Almiron, Wood, Saint-Maximin
Leicester City
Like his counterpart in the Newcastle dugout, Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers also has his own fair share of long-term injury concerns, which include Danny Ward, Ryan Bertrand and Wilfred Ndidi, while it is still unclear when Jamie Vardy will be ready to return.
Boubakary Soumare has been suffering from muscular pain but should be fine for the trip up north, and Rodgers will most certainly make some changes following a gruelling but rewarding trip to the Netherlands. Leicester City set up with a 4-2-3-1 formation more often than not, with Danish international Kasper Schmeichel expected to start in goal for the Foxes.
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We're ready to face Newcastle! ⚡️#NewLei pic.twitter.com/PRPm5RrfqM
— Leicester City (@LCFC) April 16, 2022
Rodgers may field a completely new back four against Newcastle, with Wesley Fofana and Jonny Evans dropping to the bench after playing in Thursday’s quarter-final win over PSV. Both are only just back from long injury layoffs.
This might pave the way for Caglar Soyuncu and Daniel Amartey to start at the heart of the Leicester defence, while James Justin and Luke Thomas are ready to provide fresh legs in the wide areas. Soumare and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall should hold the central midfield positions for Leicester.
Ademola Lookman could be forced to start on the right side of the attack instead of his preferred position on the other flank, where Harvey Barnes should keep his place. From the No. 10 position, James Maddison will look to provide creativity and stitch the attacking play together. Patson Daka was lively as a substitute against PSV and has staked his claim to lead the line from the start here.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Schmeichel; Justin, Amartey, Soyuncu, Thomas; Soumare, Dewsbury-Hall; Lookman, Maddison, Barnes; Daka
Key Stats
- Newcastle have won their last four home Premier League games, having only won once before that streak.
- Leicester have won five of their last six away matches against Newcastle in all competitions.
- The Foxes emerged victorious in four of their last six in the Premier League but have conceded in each of their last four.
- Leicester have only managed to win one of their last nine Premier League games on the road (D3 L5).
- English playmaker James Maddison boasts a decent track-record playing against Newcastle, with 6 goal contributions (4 goals, 2 assists) in 7 outings.
Player to Watch
Chris Wood
Newcastle rolled the dice by splashing out £25 million to sign Chris Wood from Burnley in January, and while he may not appear to be a fantastic signing in terms of goals returned, his performances, in general, have been crucial to the team. The New Zealand international has been a focal point up top and that has brought his teammates, particularly Allan Saint-Maximin, into the game more.
The 30-year-old has netted twice and scored from the penalty kick in the recent 1-0 win over Wolves, and his confidence will be high. Wood has been particularly effective in the air and will also enjoy the chance to face a Leicester defence that has conceded 15 goals from set-pieces this season, the second-worst record in the division.
Prediction
Newcastle United 2-1 Leicester City
Newcastle have made great strides both on and off the field since being thrashed 4-0 by Leicester at the King Power Stadium earlier this season, and a string of strong home results suggest that yet another win could be on the cards.
The Foxes do have a strong squad that Brendan Rodgers can rotate amid their demanding schedule. They have also started to get better results domestically in recent weeks, but with Leicester involved in a draining tie in Holland, they might have weary legs late in the second half of a tight affair at St James’ Park.
Newcastle have won with a one-goal margin in their last three home Premier League games. So it would not be surprising to see their winning streak at home continue with a narrow 2-1 victory.
This game will be tarf so leicester will win