The Foxes to be sharp in both boxes
Leicester host Newcastle on Friday night at the King Power Stadium and I am backing them to make it five wins on the bounce in this one.
The Brendan Rodgers boost
With Leicester lagging under Claude Puel the board to the decision to dispense with the Frenchman’s services and go in a new direction. The problem is, the Foxes have been in so many directions since winning the title they are basically going in circles.
That is why the ambitious appointment of Brendan Rodgers is so refreshing. The Northern Irishman almost won the Premier League with Liverpool and was walking the Scottish top flight with Celtic season after season so for Leicester to tempt him back to England is pretty exciting.
Since Brendan Rodgers has taken over he has won five of his six games in charge, taking the Foxes to the cusp of a place in Europe.
The Magpies have travel sickness
The only reason Newcastle are not in the relegation zone is the fact that they went on a five-game winning streak at home in mid-January. On the road, they have been woeful.
With just two victories in the Premier League away from St James’ Park this season, Newcastle have the sixth-worst road record in the top flight. It will come as no surprise to anybody that three of the five sides with a poorer record are those in the bottom three, two of which have already been relegated.
Travelling to the King Power, therefore, will be a difficult prospect especially considering Newcastle have only scored five goals in their last eight on the road.
Foxes in the boxes
In the six games since Brendan Rodgers took over Leicester have managed to hit 14 goals while allowing just six.
The 4-1 demolition of Huddersfield Town just highlighted the gulf in quality between the two sides. Jamie Vardy bagged a brace and the exciting talent that is James Maddison was also on the scoresheet.
They may not have the swagger of the side that upset all the odds to win the Premier League in 2016 but this Leicester squad has more than enough quality to bring European football back to the King Power.
Betting tip
When you consider the form and Newcastle’s inability to win on the road it is not particularly hard to judge that this one should fall Leicester’s way. The Foxes are still getting used to the Brendan Rodgers era but they have more than enough quality to see off Rafa Benitez and his Magpies. Backing Leicester City to win to nil at odds of 15/8 should definitely be on your radar.
Post bet chat James's Tips:
Leicester were beaten by a single goal in a game where they simply didn't do enough. Not a good night for the Foxes.