Newcastle United will host Leicester City in a Premier League clash as they seek to end a four-game winless streak. Leicester, under new manager Ruud Van Nistelrooy, aim to build on their promising start and climb further away from the relegation zone.
• Newcastle have failed to win any of their last four league games.
• Leicester remain undefeated under Van Nistelrooy after two matches.
Newcastle United have struggled to replicate the form that earned them a Champions League spot last season, collecting just 20 points from their first 15 league games this campaign.
After salvaging a 3-3 draw against Liverpool, the Magpies fell to a resilient Brentford side and now find themselves seven points adrift of fourth-placed Manchester City. Eddie Howe’s team has been plagued by a lack of goals, ranking 15th in goals scored with just 19. Defensively, they’ve been unconvincing as well, conceding 21 goals to rank 10th in the league.
Leicester City, meanwhile, have shown early promise under new manager Ruud Van Nistelrooy following the sacking of Steve Cooper. The Foxes have secured one win and one draw in their first two matches under the Dutchman.
The Ghanaian Factor
Jordan Ayew featured prominently in Leicester’s recent 2-2 draw against Brighton. The 33-year-old has proven to be a functional and impactful signing for the Foxes, scoring three goals in 15 league appearances this season.
Ayew currently ranks third in expected goals (2.1) for Leicester this season, highlighting his ability to pose a threat to opposition defences. However, he has only scored twice against Newcastle in the Premier League, with the most recent coming on Matchday 23 of the 2017/18 season while playing for Swansea City.
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The forward will be eager to add to his tally and impress Van Nistelrooy, who is still working to establish his best starting XI.
Team News
Leicester will be without seven players, including Ghana’s Fatawu Issahaku, who is sidelined for the rest of the season with an ACL injury. Newcastle, on the other hand, are expected to be without Sven Botman, Jamaal Lascelles, and Emil Krafth due to injuries.
The Odds
According to 1xbet:
• Newcastle: 1.335 odds
• Leicester: 9.25 odds
• Draw: 5.91 odds
Prediction
Newcastle will look to use this fixture as a stepping stone to get their campaign back on track. While Leicester are rejuvenated under Van Nistelrooy, the Magpies’ unbeaten record in their last four meetings with the Foxes gives them the edge. The last time Leicester won this fixture was in 2021, making a victory for the visitors less likely.
Predicted Scoreline: Newcastle 2-1 Leicester City
