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**Meta Title:** Leicester vs Newcastle Preview: EPL Prediction & Betting Tips

**Meta Description:** Expert EPL match preview for Leicester vs Newcastle (Apr 7, 2025). Get predictions, betting tips, team news, form analysis, and tactical insights.

# Leicester vs Newcastle: Premier League Match Preview, Predictions & Betting Tips

Get ready for a crucial English Premier League clash as struggling Leicester City host Newcastle United at the King Power Stadium. This EPL fixture, scheduled for Monday, April 7th, 2025, at 19:00 GMT, pits a side desperate for survival points against a team buoyed by recent cup success. Dive into our comprehensive match preview, featuring EPL predictions, betting tips, and key insights for this intriguing soccer encounter.

## Match Prediction and Scoreline

**Predicted Score:** Leicester City 1 – 2 Newcastle United

**Betting Insights & Probabilities:**

Based on current form and team morale, Newcastle United enter as favourites, despite Leicester's home advantage. The Foxes' desperate need for points could see them find the net, making "Both Teams to Score" a viable market.

*   **Winner Odds (Estimated):**
    *   Leicester Win: 11/4 (Approx.)
    *   Draw: 5/2 (Approx.)
    *   Newcastle Win: Evens (Approx.)
*   **Both Teams to Score (BTTS):** Yes (Likely)
*   **Over/Under 2.5 Goals:** Over 2.5 Goals (Plausible)
*   **Probability Breakdown (Estimated):**
    *   Leicester Win: 25%
    *   Draw: 30%
    *   Newcastle Win: 45%

*(Note: Odds are estimates and subject to change. Always gamble responsibly.)*

Looking for solid **EPL betting tips**? Newcastle's recent form, combined with Leicester's struggles, points towards an away win, but Leicester's desperation makes BTTS appealing. Check out the latest **Premier League predictions** and **score predictions** before placing any wagers.

## Key Factors and Expected Outcome

Several key elements will likely shape this Premier League contest:

*   **Form & Morale:** This is a tale of two contrasting situations.
    *   **Leicester:** Morale appears rock bottom. They are deep in a relegation battle (19th, 9 points from safety as of late March), on a disastrous run of six straight league defeats prior to their match against Man City on April 2nd. Manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has overseen just 7 points in 17 league games since his appointment. Reports suggest key players like Wilfred Ndidi are already considering moves away if relegated. Off-field issues regarding gambling sponsorship compliance could also be a minor distraction.
    *   **Newcastle:** Confidence should be high following their Carabao Cup final victory. While their league form has been mixed (WLWL in the four games preceding their April 2nd Brentford clash), the cup win provides significant momentum.
*   **Injuries & Availability:** Both squads have concerns.
    *   **Leicester:** Were missing Ricardo Pereira and Abdul Fatawu recently, though they were expected back in training soon (as of early April). Their overall squad depth might be tested.
    *   **Newcastle:** Face significant absences. Sven Botman (knee op, likely out until May), Lewis Hall (foot/ankle, out for season), and Jamaal Lascelles (ACL recovery, targeting May return) are long-term absentees. Anthony Gordon picked up a painful hip bruise on international duty but will be available after serving a suspension in the previous match against Brentford; his fitness will be assessed. Kieran Trippier and Jacob Murphy seemed to shake off minor knocks from the cup final.
*   **Home vs. Away:** Leicester *should* benefit from playing at the King Power Stadium, but their dreadful form negates much of this advantage. Newcastle secured a vital away win at West Ham recently (1-0).
*   **Managerial Impact:** Ruud van Nistelrooy is under immense pressure at Leicester, with his tactical approach yielding poor results. Eddie Howe, fresh from delivering silverware, will aim to implement his typically energetic game plan.

**Expected EPL Outcome:** Newcastle's superior form, confidence, and Leicester's deep-seated issues point towards an away victory. However, Leicester's desperation for points at home could make it a competitive match. Expect Newcastle to have more control, but Leicester might snatch a goal.

## Recent Team Form and Key Players to Watch

### Leicester City

*   **Recent League Form (Last 5 prior to this match):** LLLLL
    *   vs Man City (A) - Lost (Score TBC, but predicted 0-3 loss in previews)
    *   vs Man Utd (H) - Lost 0-3 (Mar 16)
    *   vs Chelsea (A) - Lost 0-1 (Mar 9)
    *   vs West Ham (A) - Lost 0-2 (Feb 27)
    *   vs Brentford (H) - Lost 0-4 (Feb 21)
*   **Injuries/Suspensions:** Ricardo Pereira (Doubtful), Abdul Fatawu (Doubtful).
*   **Key Players:**
    *   **Wilfred Ndidi:** Experienced midfielder, but reportedly unsettled amidst relegation fears. His performance could be key if motivated.
    *   **Jamie Vardy:** The veteran striker (now 38) remains a talisman, but his ability to consistently lead the line is diminishing.
    *   **Mads Hermansen / Bilal El Khannouss:** Mentioned as players potentially leaving if relegated, their focus and contribution will be vital if they play.

### Newcastle United

*   **Recent League Form (Last 5 prior to this match, excluding Apr 2 vs Brentford):** WLWL
    *   vs West Ham (A) - Won 1-0 (Mar 10)
    *   vs Liverpool (A) - Lost 0-2 (Feb 26)
    *   vs Nottm Forest (H) - Won 4-3 (Feb 23)
    *   vs Man City (A) - Lost 0-4 (Feb 15)
    *   *(Note: Also won Carabao Cup Final)*
*   **Injuries/Suspensions:** Sven Botman (Out), Lewis Hall (Out), Jamaal Lascelles (Out), Anthony Gordon (Doubtful - Hip).
*   **Key Players:**
    *   **Alexander Isak:** If fit after international duty, the Swedish striker is crucial to Newcastle's attack.
    *   **Bruno Guimaraes / Joelinton:** The Brazilian midfield duo provide energy, control, and quality.
    *   **Kieran Trippier:** Veteran defender whose experience and delivery are vital, assuming his minor hamstring issue was temporary.
    *   **Anthony Gordon:** If fit, his pace and directness offer a significant threat, returning from suspension for this game.

Check **Leicester latest form** and **Newcastle injury updates** closer to kick-off for the most current **Premier League player stats** and availability.

## Tactical Preview

*   **Leicester City (Manager: Ruud van Nistelrooy):**
    *   **Likely Formation:** Hard to predict given poor results. Could opt for a pragmatic 4-2-3-1 or try a more defensive 5-at-the-back system to contain Newcastle.
    *   **Style of Play:** Van Nistelrooy's approach has struggled significantly. Expect them to be cautious, perhaps looking to hit on the counter-attack or rely on set pieces. Confidence is low, so maintaining defensive shape will be paramount, but errors have been frequent. **Possession strategies** might be limited, focusing on disruption.
*   **Newcastle United (Manager: Eddie Howe):**
    *   **Likely Formation:** Likely a 4-3-3 or potentially a 4-2-3-1 depending on personnel and Gordon's fitness.
    *   **Style of Play:** Howe favours an energetic, high-pressing game when possible, looking for quick transitions into attack. They will likely aim to dominate possession against a struggling Leicester side and exploit defensive frailties. Expect width from their wingers and overlapping runs from full-backs like Trippier.
*   **Key Tactical Battles:**
    *   **Midfield Engine Room:** The battle between Leicester's midfield (potentially Ndidi) and Newcastle's energetic pairing (likely Bruno G. and Joelinton) will be crucial for controlling the game.
    *   **Newcastle Wingers vs. Leicester Full-Backs:** If Gordon is fit, his duel with Leicester's right-back could be decisive. Similarly, whoever plays on Newcastle's other flank will test the Foxes' defence.
    *   **Isak vs. Leicester Centre-Backs:** Newcastle's main striker against a defence low on confidence.

This **EPL tactical analysis** suggests Newcastle will be on the front foot, probing a potentially fragile Leicester defence. The **formation breakdown** highlights Newcastle's likely attacking intent versus Leicester's probable need for solidity.

## Summary and Key Takeaways

This Premier League fixture presents a stark contrast: Leicester City are mired in a relegation dogfight with plummeting form and morale, while Newcastle United arrive boosted by a cup triumph, albeit with inconsistent league results and notable injuries.

Leicester's desperate need for points at home cannot be discounted, but their recent performances under Van Nistelrooy offer little encouragement. Newcastle, despite key defensive absences, possess greater momentum and attacking threats.

*   **Prediction Recap:** Newcastle to win, likely 2-1.
*   **Key Betting Angles:** Newcastle Win, Both Teams to Score (BTTS), Over 2.5 Goals.
*   **Fantasy Football Tips:** Consider Newcastle attackers like **Alexander Isak** (if starting) or midfielders like **Bruno Guimaraes**. **Anthony Gordon** is a potential differential *if* he overcomes his hip injury. Avoid Leicester assets generally, given their form.

Expect Newcastle to dictate large parts of the beautiful game, but Leicester's fight for survival could lead to a more competitive match than the form book suggests. Don't be surprised if there's late action as the Foxes push for an unlikely result.