Foxes of Leicester
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Match preview: Leicester City Vs Newcastle United

By Harneet Singh Sethi

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - MARCH 31: Vicente Iborra of Leicester City (left) celebrates with team after scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Leicester City at Amex Stadium on March 31, 2018 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - MARCH 31: Vicente Iborra of Leicester City (left) celebrates with team after scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Leicester City at Amex Stadium on March 31, 2018 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images) /
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Leicester City might have an eye on the fixture against Burnley next week, but they face a stern test against Newcastle United before that.

For all of the talk about the showdown with the Clarets, a lot of people seem to have forgotten that for the tie next week to have any significance, Leicester must first beat Rafael Benitez’ Newcastle United, which isn’t simple at all.

In ten Premier League games since the start of the year, the Magpies have won four, drawn four and lost just two (to Manchester City and Liverpool). Their record is somewhat identical to Leicester City’s, who have won three of their nine league games in 2018, drawing and losing the same number of matches as Newcastle United.

That record only goes on to show that irrespective of what the narrative ahead of the game is, it is a fixture between two sides that are separated only by league positions – at least for the moment.

Claude Puel’s team might be more superior in terms of quality, but since most of that has gone unused in the recent few games, an air of doubt does surround their hopes of beating Newcastle United at the King Power Stadium. It really is anyone’s game to win.

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – MARCH 31: Vicente Iborra of Leicester City celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Leicester City at Amex Stadium on March 31, 2018 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – MARCH 31: Vicente Iborra of Leicester City celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Leicester City at Amex Stadium on March 31, 2018 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images) /

Main Man

In the absence of Wilfred Ndidi, it’s Vicente Iborra who must assume his Nigerian teammate’s duties by default. Let’s not forget that Iborra is just as good a defensive midfielder – and with experience and numbers to show for it – who can quite easily control and dictate the terms in a game on his day.

The Spaniard has been immense for the Foxes of late, and it’s him who therefore holds the key for his side today.

Quotes

"“I think they [Newcastle] are clear now,” said Claude Puel.They are safe in the Premier League and that’s fantastic for Newcastle. They can play with freedom against us.I think he [Rafael Benitez] made a great job all of the season.”"

Next: Crisis in the middle of the pitch: Leicester City without Wilfred Ndidi

Possible XI

Schmeichel; Chilwell, Morgan, Maguire, Simpson; Albrighton, Iborra, Silva, Mahrez, Okazaki; Vardy.