A hard fought 2-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend helped Leicester City cement their place in the 8th spot in the points table, 31 games into the season. They have no real chance of qualifying for Europe but Claude Puel will want his side to finish the season on a high, starting with the clash against Newcastle United this weekend.
The Magpies, who are in the 12th place, are just five points above the relegation zone and Rafa Benitez knows how to get results in crucial games, with this trip to King Power being one. They beat Southampton and Huddersfield Town in the last two games and will be high on confidence. But the Foxes themselves are on a four-game unbeaten run and will believe that they can take all three points from this tie. Here is the predicted lineup Puel might field for this game.
Team News:
In early team news, Leicester City are still without the services of Daniel Amartey and Matthew James, both of who are suffering from injuries. Wilfried Ndidi saw a red in the game against Brighton and is suspended for this tie, and remains the only other absentee for Puel ahead of this tie.
Expected lineup (4-4-2):
Defence:
Kasper Schmeichel had an outstanding game last weekend and will hope to put in a similar performance against the Magpies this weekend. He will be assisted by Wes Morgan and Harry Maguire, who have established a solid partnership at the back for the Foxes.
Ben Chilwell has been used extensively recently and should keep his place at left-back while Danny Simpson is ever present at right-back, completing a settled backline for Leicester.
Midfield:
Vicente Iborra found the back of the net against the Seagulls and will be high on confidence. He will have to play a huge role in this game, especially in the absence of Ndidi, who is suspended. Adrien Silva is yet to settle in at King Power but might get another Premier League start this weekend, in Ndidi’s absence.
Riyad Mahrez is expected to keep his place on the right flank while Marc Albrighton will continue to add width on the left side of the midfield for Puel’s side.
Attack:
Jamie Vardy scored a late goal in the previous round and will be the danger man for Newcastle United this weekend. He will lead the attack for Leicester while Demarai Gray might get his chance in a no.10 role in this game.
Here is how they might line up:
