Shocking numbers ahead of Newcastle's trip to Leicester - An opportunity we can't miss

As we head into the final weeks of this captivating season, it’s looking increasingly likely that two of Newcastle, Chelsea and Manchester City will take fourth and fifth place in the Premier League, and secure a place in next season’s Champions League.

With the Mags currently sat in 6th place, but with a game in hand on both their rivals, there can be no opportunity to slip up.

But after the intensity of their recent midweek win over the in-form Brentford, Eddie Howe’s side can perhaps take their foot off the pedal for just a week as they travel to Leicester on Monday night…

Shocking Leicester stats

Sitting just above Southampton in the relegation zone, it’s been a torrid season for last season’s Championship winners.

Here’s just some of the brutal stats that sum up the Foxes’ dire campaign and recent form:

• Since the 8th December, they’ve failed to score once at the King Power.
• They’ve lost 14 of their last 15 games (scoring four, conceding 36)
• They’ve not scored in any of their last seven fixtures

Magpies relentless recent record

Leicester have become a favourite opponent of Eddie Howe’s in recent memory, and it’s not hard to see why.

Including the 2023 Carabao Cup quarter-final, the Magpies are unbeaten in their last five games against Monday’s opponents, winning four of them.

When the two sides met in December, the Mags ran riot on Tyneside with one of their most complete performances of the season: a 4-0 rout with goals from Alexander Isak, Bruno Guimaraes, and a brace from Jacob Murphy.

Big chance for Newcastle

Though Newcastle control their own destiny thanks to their form and having a game in hand on those around them, a little luck could go a long way in the race for Champions League football.

Thankfully, some crunch fixtures between many aides aspiring for Europe guarantees that points will be dropped that Newcastle can capitalise on.

Aston Villa play Nottingham Forest in a battle between 7th and 3rd, Chelsea face a difficult trip to the GTECH, Brighton have a hard task against in-form rivals Crystal Palace, and of course the Manchester derby could see Pep Guardiola’s City slip up big time.