Newcastle United host Leicester City today
Newcastle United host Leicester City today
Here we go then, the start of eight days which could have a huge impact on Newcastle United's season. If we see the side which swamped Liverpool in the first half at the start of December, or beat Arsenal last month, then Eddie Howe should be confident of picking up three vital wins in the coming week.
However, consistency has been United's problem this season and they must put a run together, starting against Leicester City today. Newcastle will be firm favourites to beat Ruud van Nistelrooy's side - as they were against Brighton and West Ham.
Nick Pope is a doubt with a knee injjury but Howe has not ruled his goalkeeper out yet, while Leicester have something of a midfield crisis with three key men absent today. Here's all you need to know.
When is Newcastle United vs Leicester City?
The match gets under way at 3pm today, Saturday, December 14, 2024. It is one of five Premier League fixtures today, with four on Sunday and one on Monday night.
Is Newcastle United vs Leicester City on TV?
No, this one has not been scheduled for live TV coverage so fans in the UK will not be able to watch the game live, other than inside St James' Park. In the United States, Fubo TV and NBC Sports will be broadcasting the game, in France, myCanal is where the match is available to watch, while in Spain you can watch the action on Movistar+.
How else can I follow Newcastle United vs Leicester?
Our team will bring you all the action from St James' Park right here on ChronicleLive, with our live blog featuring all the build up, team news, match analysis, ratings and reaction.
Early Newcastle United team news
Eddie Howe is awaiting an update on Nick Pope's knee injury before deciding whether the goalkeeper can start today, with Martin Dubravka and Odysseas Vlachodimos on standby. Callum Wilson has been ruled out with a hamstring injury, while Joe Williock could yet be involved despite not having training all week. Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles are not yet ready for first-team action, while Emil Krafth faces another month or so on the sidelines.
Who is the Newcastle United vs Leicester referee?
Tom Bramall is today's referee, in what will be only his second Premier League fixture of the season, However, he has officiated at St James' Park before, and was in charge for last season's home win over Burnley and the 4-4 draw with Luton - as well as a 2-0 defeat at Crystal Palace.
What have the managers said?
Eddie Howe: "You can never escape pressure - it's always there at a club of this size. But how you handle that is always individual. I surround myself with my work, whether we win, lose or draw. I'm always in that pursuit of that regardless of results. You're aware of what people might be saying but I don't absorb any of it."
Ruud van Nistelrooy: "I need all my time and energy to focus on my own team," he added. "I looked at Newcastle and know how strong they are. We don't focus on where they are in the league, but the potential of where they can be. It's a great squad. We have to be spot on to get a good game. They're offensive threats, with Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon and the midfield power they have with Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes. They've got many options and it's a good opportunity to continue to grow ourselves."
Premier League fixtures, gameweek 16
TODAY (3pm unless stated)
Arsenal vs Everton
Wolves vs Ipswich
Newcastle vs Leicester
Liverpool vs Fulham
Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa (5.30pm)
SUNDAY
Brighton vs Crystal Palace (2pm)
Manchester City vs Manchester United (4.30pm)
Southampton vs Tottenham (7pm)
Chelsea vs Brentford (7pm)
MONDAY
Bournemouth vs West Ham (8pm)