Newcastle Look to Break Winless Run Against Revitalized Leicester

Newcastle United host Leicester City at St. James’ Park on Saturday, eager to break their four-match winless streak in the Premier League (D2, L2). After failing to qualify for Europe, Newcastle were expected to focus on a top-four challenge, but inconsistency sees them languishing in 12th place in the Premier League table. Manager Eddie Howe has called on his side to “get it over the line” and secure a crucial three points.

The Magpies have shown the grit against the title chasers at home, defeating Arsenal and drawing with Liverpool and Manchester City. However, recent losses to Brighton and West Ham have highlighted their struggles. Encouragingly for Newcastle, they are unbeaten in their last three home meetings with Leicester (W2, D1). Alexander Isak may prove the difference-maker, as he’s contributed three goals in Newcastle’s last two games.

Leicester arrive with revitalised energy under Ruud van Nistelrooy, who has induced a ‘new manager bounce’ following his appointment from Steve Cooper. The Foxes fought back for a late 2-2 draw against Brighton last weekend and are showing much-needed fight. Van Nistelrooy is so far unbeaten as Leicester boss (W1, D1) (not to mention his undefeated record as Man Utd’s interim manager) and will look to shore up their dire away record with just one league win away from home this term (D2, L4).

Patson Daka offers Leicester hope, of course; the Zambian forward netted against West Ham two weeks ago. Perhaps more persuasively still, Van Nistelrooy’s personal history at St. James’ Park will be one his side should draw on; he netted in all five of his visits as a Manchester United player.

Key absences will come for both teams as Newcastle will be without Sven Botman, Callum Wilson, and Jamaal Lascelles due to injury. Leicester are without the absent Wilfred Ndidi and Ricardo Pereira.

Newcastle’s record against promoted sides reads a staggering W12, D8, L1 in 21 matches, but Leicester’s resurgence in form promises for a pulsating match.