Paul Merson has given his prediction for Newcastle United’s clash with Leicester City, suggesting that the Magpies’ defensive setup will be overpowered by the newly revitalised Foxes.
The former champions have won their last four matches after Brendan Rodgers took the helm at the King Power Stadium, and Merson fancies them to keep that run going.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “In the games Leicester have played of late, teams have had a go at them, but I think Newcastle will sit back and make it difficult and that’ll give them a different proposition.
“Huddersfield went for it and Bournemouth were the same, but Newcastle will sit back and try to nick a point. So they’ll have to be patient. But I’m going to go for Leicester to win.
“Under Brendan Rodgers, the players look confident and they’re playing very well. I think they’re a dangerous team at the moment.”
Merson predicts Newcastle to lose 2-0.
OPINION
This is probably going to be a very tight one, and certainly one that Newcastle will be desperate to win. The Magpies are probably one win off safety, and while they will have easier fixtures than this between now and the end of the season, but the longer the wait goes on for those three points, the nervier things will get on Tyneside. Friday night, under the lights, away at a side as good as Leicester, will be a stern task indeed, but this Toon side are a well-drilled unit under Rafa, and if they can keep their heads and their shape, frustrate their hosts, and pick them off with a piece of magic from one of their Three Amigos, this could be a close one. You would expect them to face a barrage form the Foxes, but the Magpies have withstood worse against better teams before. Merson could end up with egg on his face.
