Match Preview: Leicester City vs Newcastle United

Leicester City v Newcastle United Sunday 11:30 am ET on NBCSN

Sunday’s only match is a delicious fixture from two sides that have already gone to a penalty shootout this year. While that was in the Carabao cup, and separate competitions don’t exactly reflect a team’s current form (unless you’re Spurs), you can bet Steve Bruce’s side will be hoping to get their second scalp of the season on the road.

Newcastle

One Ayoze Pérez was the difference maker for the Magpies last time they came to the King Power Stadium, scoring a header to get the victory 1-0. Leicester liked that goal so much they went out and got him in the Summer, and now Newcastle is trying to build around a new core of forwards. Joelinton is one of those new men up front and has only scored once for his new club against Tottenham. If Newcastle is to get anything from this match, they’re going to need a couple goals from folks who aren’t in the back four.

Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images

Andy Carroll is a guy I think we’ll see a lot of on Sunday. I don’t think he’s healthy enough to get a start, but I am excited to see Newcastle throw caution to the wind of down a couple of goals. I am particularly giddy for the sight of Çağlar Söyüncü beating the former England man to a header.

Leicester City

Let the good times roll! Victories over Spurs and Luton Town in the middle of the week have the Foxes at a two match win streak. Only one loss from eight matches is a damn good run for Brendan Rodgers’ side and if his squad are to meet their lofty goals, taking care of opponents like Newcastle can go a very long way. If they are to get the win on Sunday, it seems likely they’ll have to do it without the services of James Maddison.

Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images

While Wes Morgan made a return to the side at Luton this week, we will most likely be without the game winner from Saturday against Newcastle. He will certainly be missed, but I’m excited to see how Dennis Praet will do paired up with Youri Tielemans. The two Belgians have a history together and I’d like to get him up to speed if James’ injury is a lengthy one. Hamza Choudhury has been an unfortunate drop, but we really don’t need a second defensive mid against Newcastle anymore than we did against Manchester. But those could be some famous last words.

Prediction

Home form will be key to the Foxes aspirations this season and I think they’ll get the job done once more at home 2-0. Rodgers has a little less of a selection headache with the injury to Madders, but I’m hoping whoever he throws in there will step up to the challenge and keep this streak going.