Leicester City‘s Premier League season has spiraled into a series of unfortunate defeats, and their prospects of survival are becoming increasingly grim. The Foxes’ loss to Manchester City in midweek extended their run of eight consecutive defeats, during which they have failed to score in their last seven home matches.
With Leicester sitting 12 points adrift of safety, it seems all but inevitable that they will be relegated to the Championship. Their dismal form and lack of offensive threat make them heavy underdogs in this fixture against Newcastle United, who are in excellent form as they push for a top-four finish
Leicester City vs Newcastle United – Relegation Struggle for Leicester – Key Stats, Betting Predictions.
Leicester’s Struggles
Leicester’s form is catastrophic, particularly in front of their own fans. The Foxes are on the brink of setting a historical record for the most consecutive home defeats without scoring, having already lost seven in a row at the King Power Stadium.
Their performance against Manchester City was emblematic of their ongoing struggles: another defeat, another failure to find the back of the net. Under manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, Leicester have won just two of their 17 Premier League games, with the team showing little sign of improvement.
Even veteran striker Jamie Vardy, once the talisman of the team, has struggled to make an impact in recent games, and the team is unlikely to score in this encounter based on their current offensive malaise.
Newcastle’s Strong Form
Newcastle United come into this match riding high after a strong 2-1 victory over Brentford. The Magpies are in the hunt for a top-four finish, and they have the momentum to make it happen. Eddie Howe’s men have won six consecutive Premier League matches against teams promoted from the Championship, with a solid 14 wins from their last 18 matches against such opposition.
They have shown no mercy to the likes of Leicester and other struggling teams, and this encounter is unlikely to be any different. The Magpies’ impressive away form has been a crucial part of their top-four ambitions, and they are well-positioned to make a charge for the Champions League spots.
With seven away wins already this season, their confidence on the road will only grow in this match, as they face a team with nothing to play for other than avoiding more embarrassment. Newcastle are a team that is built on efficiency, and with players like Alexander Isak, who has scored eight goals in his last six appearances against relegation-zone teams, they have the firepower to breach Leicester’s fragile defense.
Furthermore, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimarães are also capable of contributing offensively, ensuring that Newcastle can score more than once if needed.
Leicester City vs Newcastle United – Key Factors:
Leicester’s Offensive Struggles: Leicester’s inability to score goals, especially at home, is a major issue. Their last three matches have seen them fail to find the net, and given their poor form against Newcastle, it seems unlikely that they will end their goal drought here.
Newcastle’s Attack: Newcastle’s attacking prowess, led by Isak, will prove too much for Leicester’s defense. The Magpies have been dominant in their recent encounters with lower-tier teams and will look to continue their winning ways.
Leicester’s Vulnerability at Home: Leicester have conceded 14 goals in their last seven home matches without scoring, and their defensive issues are likely to be exposed again by a Newcastle side looking to maintain momentum for their top-four push.
Newcastle’s Need for Points: With the top-four race so tight, every point is crucial for Newcastle. They will be hungry to win this game and keep up with the competition, making them even more dangerous against a relegation-bound team like Leicester.
Leicester City vs Newcastle United – Preview Verdict
Considering Leicester’s ongoing struggles and Newcastle’s solid form, this game is likely to end in a comfortable win for the visitors. Leicester’s defense has been porous, and their attack has been non-existent. Meanwhile, Newcastle have shown they can score goals, especially against struggling sides. Given the firepower at Newcastle’s disposal and Leicester’s inability to defend or score, this match is expected to feature more than 1.5 goals. Prediction: Newcastle to Win & Over 1.5 Goals