Ruud van Nistelrooy’s tenure at Leicester City is off to a good start, partly because he has benefited from home matches early on. At home this season, they have averaged more than a point per game, but they have managed only five points from seven away fixtures. Do the visitors have a chance against Newcastle United?
Certainly. Even Southampton had their opportunities but failed to capitalise when they played an hour with a numerical advantage against Newcastle at St. James' Park (0:1). Leicester under Ruud van Nistelrooy are a different proposition—they are a team with courage. They showed their fighting spirit against Brighton in the previous round, turning a 0:2 deficit in the 85th minute into a draw within six minutes. Leicester possess Jamie Vardy, who remains as lively as ever, scoring twice and providing an assist under the new manager.
Newcastle United have found the net quite often in December, along with their opponents. After drawing with Crystal Palace (1:1), who salvaged a point in the 94th minute, Newcastle’s defence faltered despite their attacking prowess. They drew at home to Liverpool (3:3) and then lost against Brentford (2:4). Brentford produced 1.23 xG with fewer shots (11:16), but it all came down to accuracy (8:3). Newcastle are now clearly a mid-table team: below Brentford in the standings and not much better than Leicester.
We think we will see a match where both teams find the back of the net. Newcastle United should score as the home side (they have done so in 18 of their last 20 home games), while Leicester City barely miss a game without both sides scoring—this has occurred in 8 of their last 10 Premier League fixtures.
