Leicester (H) Pre-match thoughts, team news, possible line up and prediction

This feels like the start of a massive seven days for Newcastle United, who must bounce back from last weekend's 4-2 defeat to Brentford and find some consistent form to save a season in danger of running away from us.

Goals have returned to the side - we've scored five in our last two - but we've also shipped seven in that time and Leicester may pose a problem we've often struggled with; breaking down a 'lesser' side in a game where we're likely to have more of the ball.

This is the first of three big tests for Howe and the players over the next week, with Leicester - enjoying a new manager bounce under Ruud Van Nistelrooy - followed by a Carabao Cup quarter-final at home to Brentford before traveling to Ipswich next Saturday.

Whether it's our struggle to break down low blocks, the conceding of poor goals, missed chances, the search for balance in midfield and/or feeling that the squad has gone stale after a lack of first-team investment in 2024, it's vital we get going in the league - we currently sit 12th and five behind the top six - and keep our cup hopes alive

Howe's pre-match comments

"To me he's an inspirational player and I think when you're in these moments for him, you have to understand how difficult this season has been for him.

"There's been a couple of setbacks when he's looked like he's so close to training and playing regularly and building that resilience that his body needs to perform at this level. He has not cut corners, he's gone through a vigorous process to try and keep himself fit."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_skQJGBxj2c&ab_channel=NewcastleUnited

Team news

Callum Wilson is facing two months out after another hamstring injury, Nick Pope (knee) has been ruled out for a month and Joe Willock (hamstring) hasn't trained yet but is making "good progress."

Sven Botman (knee) won't be back until later this month or 'early January', while Emil Krafth (collarbone) and Jamaal Lascelles (ACL) remain out.

For Leicester, first choice midfield pairing Wilf Ndidi (injury) and Bouba Soumaré (suspension) are out, while Harry Winks a doubt. As a result, Oliver Skipp and Hamza Choudhury could start in the middle.

Predicted line-up

(4-3-3): Dubravka - Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall - Bruno, Tonali, Joelinton - Murphy, Isak, Gordon.

Starting in goal, it sounds like Dubravka will get the nod ahead of Vlachodimos, with Howe forced to call on his back-up options between the sticks now Pope is facing a month on the sidelines.

I'm on the fence with this one, but I wouldn't be shocked if Kieran Trippier got a start here, if not against Brentford. Livramento hasn't done much wrong, but we lack quality to break down 'lesser' sides at St James' Park and Trippier's technical ability, link-up play and delivery is superior.

In midfield, Tonali looks set to return after fatigue kept him out of the starting line-up at Brentford. Longstaff is the obvious player to drop out, although he's suspended for the Brentford cup tie, so we shall see. Either way, I think it'll be a return to Tonali, Bruno and Joelinton, especially as Willock is yet to train this week.

Up top, Gordon will surely return down the left after looking far better in his best position against Liverpool. That would see Barnes drop out of the side, although Murphy arguably deserves another start down the right after a lively display against Liverpool and two assists in last weekend's defeat at Brentford.

Match prediction

The Foxes have beaten West Ham 3-1 and salvaged a 2-2 draw against Brighton with two late goals since Van Nistelrooy came in, but they have conceded 19 times in their last six away games and will be without first choice midfielders Nidi and Soumare.

What we'll see from Newcastle is anyone's guess after a season that's been consistently inconsistent, both home and away. However, I think our midfield three, Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon will have too much for a Leicester side who rarely fail to score but almost always concede.

Isak to score twice in a comfortable home win that sets us up nicely for Wednesday.

Prediction: Newcastle 3-1 Leicester

Howay the lads!