Football Prediction | Newcastle United vs Leicester City | English Premier League | December 14 – Can Newcastle Break Their Slump Against a Relegation-Battling Leicester?

Premier League action continues as Newcastle United hosts Leicester City at St. James’ Park on Saturday, December 14th, 2024, at 9:00 PM (GMT). Newcastle will be looking to build on their strong performances at home, while Leicester aims to secure crucial points to improve their position in the league.

Newcastle vs Leicester Form Guide

Newcastle

Newcastle showcases strength in attacking down the wings, creating chances through through balls, and protecting the lead. However, they face significant challenges in finishing scoring chances, keeping possession of the ball, and avoiding individual errors. Defensively, they are also vulnerable against attacks down the wings, which can lead to defensive lapses. Their style of play often involves attacking down the left, utilizing width in their approach, and dealing with aggressive opposition. 

Leicester 

Leicester is particularly strong at coming back from losing positions, finishing scoring chances, and creating opportunities with through balls. They also excel at protecting the lead, though their defensive weaknesses are apparent. Leicester struggles with keeping possession of the ball, avoiding fouling in dangerous areas, and defending set pieces. They are also vulnerable to through-ball attacks and attacks down the wings, where they are particularly weak. Leicester’s style is defined by playing with width and often defending in their own half, which can lead to a more reactive approach to matches. 

Newcastle vs Leicester Key Battles

Alexander Isak vs Jamie Vardy

In this exciting encounter, both teams’ top scorers, Alexander Isak for Newcastle and Jamie Vardy for Leicester, are tied with 6 goals each. Isak has proven to be a clinical forward, using his pace and finishing ability to trouble defenders, while Vardy remains a seasoned threat with his sharp movement and ability to score in crucial moments. This battle of sharpshooters will be pivotal in deciding the attacking fortunes for both sides.

Harvey Barnes vs Facundo Buonanotte

On the creative front, Harvey Barnes has contributed 6 goals and assists for Leicester, showcasing his flair and ability to drive forward with the ball. Facundo Buonanotte, with the same tally of 6 combined goals and assists for Leicester, offers a similar attacking threat with his vision and playmaking ability. Both players will look to create opportunities for their respective teams, making this a key battle in the final third. 

Also Read:- Football Prediction | Liverpool vs Fulham | English Premier League | December 14

Newcastle vs Leicester Tactical Outlook

Newcastle’s attacking strategy is heavily focused on utilizing width and frequently attacking down the left, exploiting the flanks to create goal-scoring opportunities. Despite their strong ability to create chances using through balls and their proficiency in protecting a lead, they struggle with finishing scoring chances and keeping possession of the ball. Additionally, individual errors and defending against attacks down the wings are significant weaknesses that Leicester could look to exploit. 

Leicester, renowned for their resilience in coming back from losing positions, will focus on creating opportunities using through balls and their strong finishing ability. They play with width but often position themselves deeper, inviting pressure from the opposition. However, Leicester’s defense has multiple weaknesses, notably in defending set pieces, against through-ball attacks, and in wide areas. Their inability to keep possession of the ball and tendency to foul in dangerous positions could expose them to Newcastle’s attacking threats. 

Head-to-Head Encounters

In their head-to-head encounters, Newcastle United have secured 7 wins, while Leicester City has won 10 times, with 2 draws between the two teams. Bookmakers have made Newcastle United the favorites for the upcoming match, offering odds of 1.30 for a win, 6.00 for a draw, and 8.50 for Leicester City to claim victory.

Injury News and Suspensions

Newcastle United

Newcastle United faces significant injury setbacks with Emil Krafth and Sven Botman sidelined due to cruciate ligament injuries, expected to return by early January 2025. Jamaal Lascelles is also out with a similar injury, while Joseph Willock’s hamstring issue and potential absences threaten to further disrupt Eddie Howe’s squad depth.

Leicester City

Leicester City is dealing with a series of injuries and suspensions as Boubakary Soumaré is suspended, while key players like Harry Winks and Wilfred Ndidi are doubtful for upcoming fixtures. The long-term absence of Abdul Fatawu and Ricardo Pereira, alongside Jakub Stolarczyk’s ankle injury, continues to challenge the Foxes’ squad ahead of critical matches.

Newcastle vs Leicester Possible Playing Squad

Newcastle United 

Pope (GK), Hall, Burn, Schär, Livramento, Joelinton, Guimarães, Tonali, Gordon, Isak, Barnes

Leicester City

Hermansen (GK), Kristiansen, Vestergaard, Coady, Justin, Skipp, Ndidi, Khannouss, Buonanotte, Cordova-Reid, Vardy

Match Details at a Glance

Match Prediction

Newcastle will be looking to extend their strong form at home and secure three points against Leicester, who will struggle to break down Newcastle’s solid defense. The Magpies’ attacking threat should be too much for Leicester.

Score Prediction

Newcastle is expected to dominate Leicester with a confident 3-0 victory. With their strong attacking lineup and solid defensive setup, Newcastle is likely to control possession and create multiple scoring opportunities. Leicester, while capable of surprises, may struggle to break down Newcastle’s defense and keep up with their attacking pace.  

Disclaimer: This Football prediction is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.