Newcastle United have the quality to defeat Leicester City

Newcastle United have a chance to climb the table and potentially secure survival when they travel to King Power Stadium to take on Leicester City.

After defeating Huddersfield Town at St. James’ Park over the weekend, Newcastle United now turn their attention to Leicester City. The disparity between the two clubs in the table is eight points, but it will be difficult to split the Magpies and Foxes next Saturday.

The last meeting between the two sides was decided by an own goal from Ayoze Perez in the final five minutes of the match. The competitive nature of both clubs will be on full display on April 7, but Leicester City should be cautious against Newcastle.

Rafa Benitez’s men have been in solid form and full of confidence since January, while Leicester City have been mediocre. This match could go either way, but there are two key factors that will ultimately decide the final outcome.

Urgency

With 43 points after 31 matches, Leicester City have reserved their place in the top flight next season. Newcastle, on the other hand, need one more win or a few draws to officially avoid relegation as the Magpies sit in 12th place with 35 points.

This lower placement in the table gives Newcastle an advantage in terms of finding extra motivation to steal points against Leicester City on the road. In their last three matches, Newcastle were the team that set the tone by focusing on attacking their opponents from the opening whistle.

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Just because Newcastle have more reasons to win this match does not mean that Leicester City are not the favorites to win. For the first time in a month, Newcastle will be the underdog in a match, but their urgency and momentum can cause some problems for Leicester City.

Consistency

Defensive and offensive consistency is the other factor that will decide the final score in this match. Since the start of the new year, Leicester City have not been a consistent side as they have dropped points against Swansea City, Stoke City and Bournemouth. The Foxes also suffered a tough 5-1 defeat to Manchester City in February.

Meanwhile, Newcastle United have turned things around and the 1-0 victory over Manchester United provided the Magpies with a new wind of confidence. Since their victory over the Red Devils, the Magpies recent form consists of three wins, one draw and one loss. In addition, Newcastle have scored seven goals in those matches, with four of them coming from their last two fixtures.

The offensive efficiency has improved for Newcastle and so have their defensive performances. With three clean sheets in their last five matches, Jamaal Lascelles and company have established a firm back-line. This defensive solidity combined with a confident attack will keep the Magpies in the match from start to finish.

Match Prediction

Like Newcastle, Leicester City are undefeated at home in 2018 with two victories and three draws. However, some of those draws have come against weak opponents. Newcastle have been a decent team on the road since January with one victory, two draws and two defeats.

Leicester City boast a stronger attack, while Newcastle have a slightly better defensive unit. With the previous match ending 3-2 in Leicester’s favor, the match on Saturday will be eventful and competitive.

Prediction: Leicester City 1-1 Newcastle United