Leicester City vs Newcastle United
Date: 29/09/2019
K/O: 16:30
Venue: King Power Stadium
Referee: Craig Pawson
TV: Sky Sports Main Event
Leicester City will aim to continue their excellent start to the season when they host Newcastle United in the only Sunday fixture.
The Foxes could move into second place above Manchester City with a win, though defeat may see Brendan Rodgers’ side drop out of the Champions League places.
Their only defeat of the campaign came against Manchester United at Old Trafford, but last weekend they recovered to beat Tottenham Hotspur.
If Leicester are to seriously challenge for European contention this season, they must continue the near-flawless start they have made. Dropping points against Newcastle, who have struggled to score under Steve Bruce, would be a bitter disappointment.
One concern for the Foxes is the potential loss of James Maddison. The midfielder has been an instrumental creative influence contributing two assists and a goal in the Premier League this season. He may yet start, or appear off the bench, but the visitors will be hoping they don’t have to deal with his unpredictably creative attacking threat.
Meanwhile, Newcastle’s stuttering start to the season would be significantly buoyed by an unlikely victory. Gaining three-points could even take the Magpies from 17th to the top half of the table.
Though a draw would be a respectable result against a team in such good form, defeat for Bruce’s side may leave him under a significant amount of pressure. By Newcastle’s standards, there has been a mass exodus of fans at St James’ Park, and while this game is to be played at the King Power Stadium, the attendance says a lot about how strongly the fans feel.
Time may be up for Mike Ashley to restore his credibility, but Bruce is rapidly running out of time to win over the support of a usually ecstatic fanbase.
Andy Carroll was reintroduced to St James’ Park last weekend, but reports this week have suggested he may not start a game this year as he is eased back from a reoccurring ankle injury.
Matty James remains injured with an Achilles tendon problem, and James Maddison remains doubtful of starting.
Though Newcastle are in somewhat of an injury crisis and Steve Bruce has a limited number of options at full-back with both Matt Ritchie and DeAndre Yedlin out of action.
At centre back Florian Lejeune is expected to return soon, but not in time for this fixture. While Dwight Gayle is also nearing full fitness.
Further forwards the Magpies breakthrough player of last season Sean Longstaff is doubtful and Allan Saint-Maximin could return, but it may be from the bench.
Predicted Starting XIs
Leicester City (4-5-1): Schmeichel; Pereira, Evans, Soyuncu, Chilwell; Ndidi; Perez, Tielemans, Maddison, Barnes; Vardy
Newcastle United (4-3-3): Dubravka; Manquillo, Schar, Lascelles, Dummett, Willems; Almiron, Hayden, Shelvey, Atsu; Joelinton
