Newcastle United – Leicester City | Betting Tip & Prediction (14.12.2024)

Kick-off: Saturday, 14th December 2024, at 15:00 GMT

On Saturday, 14 December 2024, at 15:00 GMT, Newcastle United will host Leicester City at St. James’ Park in a Premier League encounter.

Newcastle aims to return to winning ways after a series of draws and losses, while Leicester, under new management, seeks to continue their recent positive momentum. Despite Newcastle’s recent form, their home advantage and overall squad strength position them as favourites for this match.

Form Analysis: Newcastle United

Newcastle United currently holds 20 points from 15 matches, placing them in the mid-table region. Their recent form has been underwhelming, with the team failing to secure a win in their last four Premier League outings, resulting in two draws and two losses. This dip in performance has seen them slip from the higher echelons of the league standings.

At home, the Magpies have shown resilience, with notable victories earlier in the season. However, their recent home fixture resulted in a 0-2 defeat to West Ham United. Key players like Callum Wilson have been pivotal in their attacking endeavours, contributing significantly to their goal tally.

Midfield dynamo Bruno Guimarães has been instrumental in orchestrating play, while defender Kieran Trippier provides both defensive solidity and offensive support through set-pieces. The team’s current challenge lies in converting their possession and chances into goals, a factor they will need to address against Leicester.

Form Analysis: Leicester City

Leicester City finds themselves in the lower half of the Premier League table, with 14 points from 15 matches. The appointment of Ruud van Nistelrooy as the new manager has injected fresh impetus into the squad. In his two games at the helm, Leicester secured a 3-1 victory over West Ham United and a 2-2 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion, indicating a positive shift in form.

The Foxes’ away record has been a concern, with only one win in their last seven away matches. Striker Jamie Vardy continues to be a crucial asset, leading the line with experience and poise. Midfielder James Maddison has been a creative force, contributing to both goals and assists.

Defensively, Çağlar Söyüncü has been tasked with anchoring the backline, though the team has struggled to maintain clean sheets. Leicester’s newfound confidence under van Nistelrooy will be tested as they aim to capitalise on Newcastle’s recent vulnerabilities.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Historically, Newcastle United holds the upper hand in this fixture, with 56 wins to Leicester City’s 48 out of 133 encounters. The remaining 28 matches have ended in draws. In recent meetings, Newcastle has maintained dominance, with the last five results as follows:

• Newcastle United 0-0 Leicester City
• Newcastle United 2-0 Leicester City
• Leicester City 0-3 Newcastle United
• Newcastle United 2-1 Leicester City
• Leicester City 4-0 Newcastle United

These outcomes highlight Newcastle’s recent superiority, especially in home fixtures.

Tactical Analysis

Newcastle United is expected to deploy a 4-3-3 formation, focusing on wing play and midfield control. Callum Wilson will spearhead the attack, flanked by wingers Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almirón, who provide pace and creativity.

The midfield trio, likely comprising Bruno Guimarães, Sean Longstaff, and Joelinton, will aim to dominate possession and disrupt Leicester’s play. Defensively, Kieran Trippier and Dan Burn will operate as full-backs, supporting central defenders Fabian Schär and Sven Botman.

Leicester City may opt for a 4-2-3-1 setup, with Jamie Vardy leading the line. James Maddison will occupy the central attacking midfield role, orchestrating play and linking up with wingers Harvey Barnes and Marc Albrighton.

The double pivot of Wilfred Ndidi and Youri Tielemans will provide defensive cover and facilitate transitions. The back four, including Ricardo Pereira, Çağlar Söyüncü, Jonny Evans, and Timothy Castagne, will need to be cohesive to withstand Newcastle’s offensive threats.

Predicted Lineups

• Newcastle United (4-3-3): Pope – Trippier, Schär, Botman, Burn – Guimarães, Longstaff, Joelinton – Almirón, Wilson, Saint-Maximin.
• Leicester City (4-2-3-1): Ward – Pereira, Söyüncü, Evans, Castagne – Ndidi, Tielemans – Albrighton, Maddison, Barnes – Vardy.

Betting Options and Odds

1. Home Win for Newcastle United (Odds: 1.32): Given their historical dominance and home advantage, Newcastle is favoured to secure a victory.
2. Over 2.5 Goals (Odds: 1.80): Both teams have shown defensive frailties, suggesting a potentially high-scoring match.
3. Both Teams to Score – Yes (Odds: 1.75): Considering the attacking talents on display, it’s plausible that both sides will find the net.

Betting Tip & Prediction: Newcastle United – Leicester City (14.12.2024)

Newcastle United enters this match as the favourite, aiming to leverage their home advantage and return to winning ways. Leicester City’s recent managerial change has brought about improved performances, but their defensive vulnerabilities persist. Considering Newcastle’s attacking prowess and Leicester’s resurgence, a competitive match is anticipated.

• Our Tip: Home Win for Newcastle United (Odds: 1.32)
• Score Prediction: 2-1 in favour of Newcastle United