9693,46%1,77
32,58% 0,34
34,77% 0,17
2511,73% 1,11
4181,01% 0,22
The Magpies host the Foxes knowing that a point would be enough to secure them UEFA Champions League football for the first time since 2003/04. Here's a preview of this showdown.
Newcastle will be in action on Monday and will be presented with the opportunity to secure their long-awaited return to the UEFA Champions League. The Magpies can pull this off in front of their home crowd when Leicester pay them a visit, but given the away team's battle against relegation, Eddie Howe's men should be wary of the opposition.
Newcastle's impressive 4-1 win over Brighton on Thursday and Liverpool's 1-1 draw at home to Aston Villa over the weekend have handed the Magpies the golden opportunity of securing UEFA Champions League football with a game to spare.
The Saud-owned side currently boast 69 points while fifth-placed Liverpool have only 66 points. Given that the Reds have only one game left, Howe's men simply need a point against Leicester and a top-four finish will be bagged.
The last time Geordies were treated to Champions League football was back in 2003/04 and a return to Europe's most prestigious club competition would be celebrated at St. James' Park. However, this does not mean Trippier and Co. will play for a draw.
The hosts are level on points with fourth-placed Manchester United but sit ahead of the Red Devils due to their superior goal difference. Newcastle will want to finish the season in third, and given their form, they should fancy their odds of pulling this off.
Howe's men suffered back-to-back slip-ups prior to the victory over Brighton, losing 2-0 at home to Arsenal before drawing 2-2 away to Leeds. However, the Magpies are unbeaten in 10 out of their last 12 games.
Leicester, meanwhile, are in search of their first win in a month. Their 2-1 victory over Wolves was the last time the visitors tasted victory, which explains the mess they are currently in.
Despite challenging for European football a few seasons ago, the Foxes are now fighting for their lives to avoid relegation. Southampton, who are bottom of the league, have already gone down and Maddison and Co. are next in the standings.
However, Dean Smith's side have two games left this season, unlike 17th-placed Everton who only have one. Sadly for Leicester, their last two fixtures of the campaign are difficult clashes against Newcastle and West Ham, meaning relegation appears inevitable for the Foxes.
Their most recent game was the 3-0 loss to Liverpool, a result which earned the team boos from the King Power Stadium crowd. Additionally, Leicester are on a seven-game winless run away from home, which is their biggest concern, as they will be visiting one of the toughest ground in the country in the form of St. James' Park.
Time is of the essence for Leicester and should they suffer a defeat on Monday, then relegation for the 2015/16 Premier League champions will be all but confirmed.
Newcastle: Joe Willock is likely to miss the final two games of the season after hurting his hamstring in the win over Brighton. Meanwhile, there are question marks over Kieran Trippier and Joelinton while Sean Longstaff, Jacob Murphy, Emil Krafth, Jamaal Lascelles, and Matt Ritchie are all sidelined.
Leicester: Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is a doubt for this game but Kelechi Iheanacho should return for the trip to St. James' Park. Caglar Soyuncu is unlikely to recover for this tie while James Justin, Danny Ward, Ryan Bertrand, and Jannik Vestergaard are all sidelined.
Newcastle are on a three-game winning streak vs. Leicester.
The Foxes have won only one of their last 14 Premier League games.
However, Dean Smith's side do not struggle to score, having netted more times this season than eighth-placed Aston Villa.
The Magpies have the second-best defense in the league, with only Man City conceding fewer goals this campaign.
