Newcastle vs Leicester prediction: ENGLAND: Premier League betting tips on match 2024-12-13 15:00.
[p]After failing to qualify for Europe this season, the theory was that Newcastle United would be able to fully focus on challenging for a top-four place, but it hasnāt worked out like that, with the Magpies currently winless in their last four Premier League outings (D2, L2). They start this weekend in 12th place, with manager Eddie Howe desperately urging his side to āget it over the lineā when it comes to earning three points on Saturday against a rejuvenated Leicester City.[/p]
[p]This term, Newcastle have raised their game at St Jamesā Park against the title contenders, notably beating Arsenal and drawing with Liverpool and Manchester City. They have otherwise been inconsistent though, with recent home losses to Brighton and West Ham hardly inspiring as they look to make it four straight H2Hs on their own patch against Leicester without defeat (W2, D1).[/p]
[p]With Ruud van Nistelrooy unbeaten since succeeding Steve Cooper as Leicester manager (W1, D1), they are now six points behind Newcastle and five clear of the relegation zone. Foxes fans will be hoping that the ānew manager bounceā can continue for as long as possible, and the Dutchman certainly seems to have instilled some fighting spirit in his squad after they came from 2-0 down late on to draw 2-2 with Brighton on Sunday.[/p]
[p]More of the same is needed on the road, as Leicester have won just one away league fixture this season (D2, L4), conceding at least three times in both of their last two such games. Coming here might encourage them to break that sequence, as not since February 2004 have they leaked that many goals in a match at St Jamesā, and Van Nistelrooy knows what it takes to perform in Newcastle, as he netted on all five occasions he played there with Manchester United![/p]
[p]Players to watch: Alexander Isak has three goal contributions across Newcastleās last two games (G2, A1), including opening their account in both fixtures, while Patson Dakaās return from injury has been a boost for Leicester, after he scored against West Ham earlier this month and also netted against Newcastle in a 4-0 win back in December 2021.[/p]
[p]Hot stat: Newcastle have lost only one of their last 21 Premier League clashes against promoted sides (W12, D8).[/p]
[p][i]Written by John Pennington[/i][/p]