Newcastle United travel to the King Power Stadium this weekend looking to put an end to their dismal run of seven consecutive defeats.
However, by virtue of an incredible run of four wins in their last five games, Leicester City are back from the dead and fighting for their place in the Premier League next season. Siem de Jong has already challenged his teammates to use the game to spark a change in their fortunes but, with the Foxes on such a good run, it may be easier said than done.
The Magpies are bottom of the form table. They’ve scored just four goals in their last seven matches, conceding fifteen in the process. Another defeat for Newcastle this weekend will drag them even closer to the relegation dog fight and, for as long as John Carver is at the helm, it’s difficult to see where the next point will come from.
When the two clubs met in the reverse fixture earlier this season, Alan Pardew’s men came away with all three points – thanks to an excellent strike from Gabriel Obertan from the edge of the box. The pair also met in the FA Cup, not long into John Carver’s tenure, in which the Foxes came out 1-0 victors.
Team news
Newcastle welcome back Rolando Aarons and Paul Dummett from lengthy spells on the sidelines, whilst Moussa Sissoko returns from a one game suspension for his sending off against Spurs. Siem de Jong topped up his fitness in a reserve fixture against Derby County on Tuesday but he is unlikely to play anymore than a brief sub-cameo.
Nigel Pearson confirmed in his press conference, Jeffrey Schlupp will be available but David Nugent will not, while Andy King and Robert Huth are doubts, and will face late tests, after sustaining injuries in Leicester’s defeat to Chelsea yesterday.
Key clash – Moussa Sissoko v Esteban Cambiasso
Our power-house against their tough tackling midfielder – this could make for an interesting clash.
The Frenchman returns from suspension, after being sent off for a second bookable offence in Newcastle’s defeat to Spurs, looking to end his sides dismal run. If he wishes to prove his worth to the Geordie faithful – who have questioned his desire and passion in recent weeks – he’ll have to win the midfield battle against the former-Inter Milan man.
