Kick-off: 2000, 10/01/2023
Stadium: St James’ Park
TV: Sky Sports
Newcastle hammered Leicester 3-0 away in the Premier League on Boxing Day but we’re expecting a closer contest in the EFL Cup.
The Magpies are worthy favourites to come through this quarter-final clash, but the Foxes will take heart from their good record at St James’ Park.
City have scored on their last seven visits to this venue, winning five of those matches!
We’re snapping up 17/20 for both teams to hit the back of the net as our first Newcastle vs Leicester prediction.
Newcastle United Odds
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe questioned the depth of his squad after suffering a surprise 2-1 FA Cup loss at Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.
Howe made eight changes for the clash with the Owls and paid the price, as a 15-game unbeaten run in all competitions drew to a close at Hillsborough.
However, the Magpies are still sitting in third place in the Premier League table and their big guns will be back here.
Kieran Trippier, Bruno Guimaraes, Joe Willock and Miguel Almiron were used only from the bench over the weekend.
Dan Burn was an unused substitute, while Nick Pope, Fabian Schar and Callum Wilson were left behind, along with the sick Allan Saint-Maximin.
Not that Howe is taking anything for granted, stating: “This game will be different to Boxing Day. I thought that game, the scoreline, slightly flattered us.
“It certainly wasn’t an easy game and we understand the quality they have. We will need to be at our best to get through.
“Psychologically, it would be a great thing for us to get through to a two-legged semi-final. We want to experience that, but we have a very tough opponent in our way.”
Howe has called on his team to be more clinical up front after wasting chances against Wednesday and in a league draw with Leeds here.
Looking at the Newcastle vs Leicester odds, we like a bwin price boost of 11/4 for United to win and both teams to score.
Leicester City Odds
Leicester have had a rollercoaster campaign in the Premier League, starting slowly, winning five of eight before the World Cup but returning with three defeats.
Injuries have hurt them of late, with James Justin, Jonny Evans, Ryan Bertrand and Ricardo Pereira missing in defence.
Influential playmaker James Maddison has also been sidelined since heading off to Qatar 2022 with England.
Brendan Rodgers did at least receive a welcome boost with Saturday’s 1-0 FA Cup triumph at Gillingham, when Kelechi Iheanacho continued his good form in knockout games.
Jamie Vardy netted three times in 3-0 wins over Newport and MK Dons in this tournament and City still have enough talent to have their moments here.
“We are missing a couple of important players and players who really make a difference within our structure,” admitted Rodgers.
“But days like Saturday, it is a good feeling to get the win – tough conditions, cold.
“And hopefully, we can get the good feeling into our next game, which is the quarter-final.”
A full-strength Foxes outfit would be regarded as very dangerous in this contest, but those absentees do just add up.
Let’s go with 29/4 for a 2-1 home win to finish off our Newcastle vs Leicester betting tips.
Additional stats
Last result:
Sheff Wed 2-1 NEWCASTLE – Bruno Guimaraes
Gillingham 0-1 LEICESTER – Kelechi Iheanacho
Head-to-head: Leicester 0-3 Newcastle, Newcastle 2-1 Leicester, Leicester 4-0 Newcastle, Leicester 2-4 Newcastle, Newcastle 1-2 Leicester
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