Newcastle vs Leicester: Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips

On paper, we usually lean towards a Newcastle win because of the league standings; however, with the inconsistency of the Magpies and the improved performances under Ruud van Nistelrooy, we are leaning towards a draw.

Leicester City have indeed shown vast improvement in their first two games under Ruud van Nistelrooy, with four points from a possible six under the Dutchman's tenure thus far. Leicester City have averaged over two goals per game under Ruud van Nistelrooy; however, defensively, the Foxes are still without a clean sheet in their previous nine.

Newcastle United are without a clean sheet in their last five, with no wins in four for a home side who are struggling for consistency in the league. Both teams have scored in four of the last five involving the Magpies and eight of the previous nine involving Leicester City. Over 2.5 goals have been scored in the last five involving Leicester City.

Expect a high-scoring game between two teams who seemingly can’t keep a clean sheet at the moment. We predict a 2-2 draw.

Newcastle United 2-2 Leicester City.

Ruud van Nistelrooy takes charge of his third game as Leicester City manager as they travel to face Newcastle United at St.James’ Park.

Date: 14/12/2024
Location: St.James’ Park, Newcastle.
Kick-Off: 3 pm

Newcastle United have flattered to deceive this season, as the Magpies are currently 12th in the Premier League after 15 games played, with five wins, five draws and five losses. Eddie Howe’s side have recorded 20 points this season and have averaged 1.33 points per game, and are four points away from their potential competitors in European places this season. Newcastle United can move into the top ten should they beat Leicester City and teams around them suffer defeats.

Leicester City have struggled this season. However, the appointment of Ruud van Nistelrooy has seemingly given everyone at the King Power Stadium a much-needed lift in spirits. The Foxes are unbeaten in the two games under the Dutchman, and those results have lifted Leicester City five points clear of the relegation zone. A win for Leicester will move them ahead of Everton, should the Toffees fail to beat Arsenal.

The game will not be available to watch on TV.

Sven Botman, Jamal Lascelles, Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth will likely be unavailable for Newcastle United.

Boubakaray Soumare is suspended for the Foxes. Ricardo Pereira and Harry Winks remain absentees for Ruud van Nistelrooy.

The recent history between the two sides suggests that Newcastle United will be the favourites for this fixture. Newcastle United are unbeaten in the last four meetings between the two sides, having not conceded in the previous three against Leicester City. The two sides did not meet last season because Leicester City was in the championship. The last two league meetings saw Newcastle United pick up four points against the Foxes. The last time Leicester City beat Newcastle United was in 2021 with a 4-0 scoreline, thanks to goals from Youri Tielemans (x2), Patson Daka and James Maddison.

The hosts will be seeking European ambitions this season; their overall form has to improve. Eddie Howe’s side are winless in their last four league games, having drawn twice and losing twice. Their results mirror their bizarre inconsistency this season, claiming a deserved draw against Liverpool in a 3-3 scoreline, and then the Magpies would suffer the disappointment of a defeat against West Ham United in a 2-0 scoreline. Newcastle United have averaged 1.33 points per game, and their home form certainly reflects the inconsistent nature of Eddie Howe’s side.

On home soil, Newcastle United have a moderately average home record with three wins, two draws and two losses in seven games at St.James’ Park. The Magpies have averaged 1.57 points per game on home soil. However, they have been lacking in front of goal with eight goals in seven, compared to 11 scored away from home. In their most recent home game, the 3-3 draw against Liverpool was excellent for Eddie Howe as it showed their ability to showcase their strengths against the top six teams. Inconsistency then plagued them at the weekend, with a 4-2 defeat against Brentford.

As for Leicester City, Ruud van Nistelrooy has undoubtedly improved the fortunes and the overall form of the Foxes. Before he arrived at the club, Leicester City had gone six games without a win, with five losses in six. Since the Dutchman’s arrival, the Foxes have profited from a potential new manager bounce with four points from a possible six. Leicester City opened van Nistelrooy’s reign with a comfortable 3-1 win over West Ham United. In their previous game, the Fixes secured a terrific late draw at home to Brighton and Hove Albion.

Leicester City’s away form will need considerable improvement as the Foxes rank as one of the worst teams away from home in the division. The visitors have only won once away from home all season, with two draws and three losses. The Foxes have only averaged 0.71 points per game on their travels and have failed to keep a clean sheet on their travels.

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