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The pundits believe Newcastle United will get back on track when Leicester City travel to St James’ Park this weekend.
A four-game winless Premier League run has sapped the enthusiasm around Tyneside in recent weeks. Newcastle went flying into the November international break with wins against Chelsea, Arsenal and Nottingham Forest.
However, Newcastle’s form has since nosedived, with defeats to West Ham United and Brentford stalling the Toon train. A buoyant Leicester await later today looking to build on their upturn under Ruud van Nistelrooy.
But how do the experts think the Magpies will get on? NewcastleWorld has profiled how they predict today’s game will go…
Chris Sutton
“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,” he told BBC Sport. “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.”
Prediction: Newcastle 3-0 Leicester
Paul Merson
“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,” he wrote in his SportsKeeda column. “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 naïve to think that they will get a result away from home at Newcastle. I’m a firm believer in 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.
“Newcastle have got no consistency, they are up and down all the time. It shows in the table as well, they are now in 12th place. I know it’s only five points away from the European places, but still you would expect them to be a lot higher. They must start being consistent now.
“This game presents them with an excellent opportunity to climb up the table and anything less than a win would be hugely disappointing.”
Prediction: Newcastle 3-1 Leicester
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Mark Lawrenson
“This could be one of the most important games of Eddie Howe’s time at Newcastle,” he told Paddy Power. “If they get turned over the crowd could well turn on him a little bit. Leicester have had a bit of a bounce but I’ll back the Toon Army. If they can stop Jamie Vardy I’m not sure what else Leicester have really.”
Prediction: Newcastle 2-0 Leicester
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