Leicester City’s rejuvenation under new manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has provided fresh hope for fans, with the Foxes collecting four points from his first two games in charge.
An impressive 3-1 victory over West Ham was followed by a spirited 2-2 comeback draw against Brighton, showcasing Leicester’s newfound resilience.
Now, van Nistelrooy’s side faces a stern challenge as they travel to St James’ Park to take on Newcastle United.
While Leicester aim to extend their unbeaten run to three matches, they will be without two key midfielders.
Wilfred Ndidi is ruled out for a couple of weeks due to injury, and Boubakary Soumare will miss the clash after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season in the Brighton game.
Newcastle’s Form Under Scrutiny
Newcastle, sitting 12th in the Premier League, have struggled for consistency this season. Their erratic form, including a 4-2 loss to Brentford following a dramatic 3-3 draw against Liverpool, has drawn criticism.
Club legend Alan Shearer recently compared their current performances to the darker days of the Mike Ashley era, underscoring the pressure on Eddie Howe to turn things around.
Paul Merson’s Prediction
Paul Merson, previewing the match for Sportskeeda, has backed Newcastle to secure a 3-1 victory at St James’ Park.
While he acknowledged Leicester’s promising start under van Nistelrooy, he was sceptical of their chances against Newcastle away from home.
“Leicester City got themselves a phenomenal result during the late comeback draw against Brighton last time out, but I don’t see Newcastle not winning this game,” Merson said.
“It’s true that Leicester have four points in two games under Ruud van Nistelrooy and that’s a good start. However, it would be naive to think that they will get a result away from home at Newcastle.
“I’m a firm believer of the fact that draws don’t help anybody in football. If you draw two games, it’s two points. If you lose one and win the next, it’s more points. Leicester must try to get more points, that’s the only way they can stay up in this division.
“This game presents them with an excellent opportunity to climb up the table, and anything less than a win would be hugely disappointing.”
Chris Sutton’s Prediction
Chris Sutton, writing for BBC Sport, shared a similarly bleak outlook for Leicester, predicting a comfortable 3-0 win for Newcastle.
Sutton criticised Leicester’s handling of former manager Steve Cooper, though he admitted van Nistelrooy has made an immediate impact.
“I did not like the way Leicester treated Steve Cooper but they have definitely had a bounce since appointing Ruud van Nistelrooy, who has made the start he desired,” Sutton wrote.
“It is fair to say that Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has not had the season he wanted so far, but any team who can beat Arsenal and draw with Liverpool must have something about them.
“Howe’s side have been consistently inconsistent, but they are not far off becoming the team he wants them to be.
“I am expecting them to click here, and I actually think this will be quite straightforward for them.”
Van Nistelrooy’s Challenge
Despite the doubts surrounding Leicester’s chances, van Nistelrooy’s start has sparked optimism.
Jamie Vardy’s resurgence, with goals in both matches and a vital assist against Brighton, is a testament to the renewed energy within the squad.
However, the absence of Ndidi and Soumare poses a significant challenge as Leicester head to a ground where Newcastle’s passionate supporters will demand a response from their team.
Leicester’s upward trajectory under van Nistelrooy will be tested against a Newcastle side desperate to steady their season. If the Foxes can replicate their recent fighting spirit, they may yet defy the doubters at St James’ Park.