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**Meta Title:** Leicester vs Newcastle Premier League Preview & Tips (Apr 7)

**Meta Description:** Expert EPL predictions, betting tips, team news & tactical analysis for the Leicester vs Newcastle Premier League clash on April 7, 2025. Get the latest odds.

# Leicester City vs Newcastle United: Premier League Match Preview & Predictions (2025-04-07)

The King Power Stadium lights up on Monday, April 7th, 2025, for a crucial English Premier League encounter as struggling Leicester City host Newcastle United. Kick-off is scheduled for 19:00 GMT. This EPL match preview delves into predictions, betting tips, team news, and tactical analysis for a fixture with significant implications at both ends of the table – Leicester fighting desperately against relegation and Newcastle aiming to build on recent cup success.

## Match Prediction and Scoreline

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

Based on current form and team morale, Newcastle United are favoured to take three points, although Leicester's desperation could make it a competitive affair.

**Betting Insights & Probabilities:**

*   **Winner Odds (Hypothetical):**
    *   Leicester Win: 4/1
    *   Draw: 3/1
    *   Newcastle Win: 4/6
    *   *(Odds are illustrative and subject to change)*
*   **Both Teams To Score (BTTS):** Yes (Likely, given Newcastle's attacking threat and Leicester's need to push at home).
*   **Over/Under 2.5 Goals:** Over 2.5 Goals (Favoured, anticipating goals from both sides).
*   **Probability Breakdown (Estimated):**
    *   Leicester Win: 20%
    *   Draw: 25%
    *   Newcastle Win: 55%

Look for value in Newcastle to win and BTTS markets. These Premier League predictions and EPL betting tips reflect Newcastle's stronger position despite being the away side.

## Key Factors and Expected Outcome

Several key match factors will influence this Premier League clash:

*   **Form & Morale:** Leicester are in dire straits, suffering a string of defeats that leaves them deep in the relegation zone. Manager Ruud van Nistelrooy is under immense pressure, having collected minimal points since his appointment. Conversely, Newcastle, despite mixed league form, recently lifted the Carabao Cup, providing a significant morale boost under Eddie Howe.
*   **Injuries & Suspensions:** Leicester have fewer major long-term absentees but key players like Ricardo Pereira remain a doubt. Newcastle are missing key defenders Sven Botman and Lewis Hall for the season, and winger Anthony Gordon is a significant doubt after picking up a hip injury on international duty. His absence could impact their attacking dynamism.
*   **Tactics & Managerial Battle:** Eddie Howe's Newcastle typically employ a high-energy pressing game (often 4-3-3), aiming to dominate possession and transition quickly. Van Nistelrooy's Leicester may adopt a more cautious approach (potentially a back three/five), looking to stay compact and hit on the counter, possibly relying on the experience of Jamie Vardy. The midfield battle, particularly involving Newcastle's Bruno Guimaraes and Leicester's Wilfred Ndidi (if fit and focused amidst transfer speculation), will be crucial.
*   **Home Advantage vs. Away Form:** While playing at the King Power Stadium should theoretically favour Leicester, their recent home results have been poor. Newcastle's away form can be inconsistent, but their overall quality should give them an edge.
*   **Relegation Pressure:** Leicester's desperate need for points could either galvanise them or lead to mistakes under pressure. Newcastle play with more freedom but need consistency to finish the EPL season strongly.

**Expected EPL Outcome:** Newcastle's superior quality, confidence from their cup win, and Leicester's dreadful form point towards an away victory. Expect the Magpies to control large parts of the game, though Leicester might snatch a goal due to the pressure they need to apply.

## Recent Team Form and Key Players to Watch

### Leicester City

*   **Recent Form (Last 5 EPL):** LLLLL
    *   Lost 2-0 vs Manchester City (A) - Apr 2
    *   Lost 3-0 vs Manchester United (H) - Mar 16
    *   Lost 1-0 vs Chelsea (A) - Mar 9
    *   Lost 2-0 vs West Ham (A) - Feb 27
    *   Lost 4-0 vs Brentford (A) - Feb 21
*   **Injuries/Suspensions:**
    *   Abdul Fatawu (Knee - Out)
    *   Ricardo Pereira (Muscle - Doubtful)
*   **Key Players:**
    *   **Wilfred Ndidi:** Crucial midfield presence, but future uncertain amid relegation fears. Needs to dominate the middle.
    *   **Harry Winks:** Dictates tempo from deep, vital for retaining possession.
    *   **Jamie Vardy:** Aging but still possesses pace and finishing instincts (38 years old). Leicester's main goal threat.
    *   **Mads Hermansen:** Goalkeeper likely to be busy.

### Newcastle United

*   **Recent Form (Last 5 EPL):** WDLWL *(Note: Includes recent cup win for morale context)*
    *   Won 1-0 vs West Ham (A) - Mar 10
    *   Drew 1-1 vs Manchester United (A) - Mar 9
    *   Lost 2-0 vs Liverpool (A) - Feb 26
    *   Won 4-3 vs Nottingham Forest (H) - Feb 23
    *   Lost 4-0 vs Manchester City (A) - Feb 15
    *   *(Also won Carabao Cup Final recently)*
*   **Injuries/Suspensions:**
    *   Sven Botman (Knee - Out for season)
    *   Lewis Hall (Foot/Ankle - Out for season)
    *   Jamaal Lascelles (ACL - Out, targeting May return)
    *   Anthony Gordon (Hip - Doubtful)
*   **Key Players:**
    *   **Bruno Guimaraes:** The heartbeat of the midfield, controls play, creates chances.
    *   **Alexander Isak:** Main striker, crucial source of goals.
    *   **Kieran Trippier:** Experienced leader, excellent delivery from set-pieces and open play.
    *   **Joelinton:** Provides power and energy in midfield or attack.

## Tactical Preview

*   **Leicester City (Likely Formation: 3-4-3 / 5-2-3):** Expect Van Nistelrooy to set up defensively, aiming to frustrate Newcastle and limit space. They might rely on long balls towards Vardy or try to exploit transitions. Key will be maintaining defensive shape and discipline, something lacking in recent weeks. Midfielders Ndidi and Winks must shield the defence effectively.
*   **Newcastle United (Likely Formation: 4-3-3):** Eddie Howe will likely stick to his preferred high-intensity approach. Expect Newcastle to press high, dominate possession, and utilize the width provided by their full-backs (like Trippier) and wingers. If Gordon is out, Howe might adjust personnel but the attacking philosophy should remain.
*   **Key Tactical Battles:**
    *   **Guimaraes vs. Ndidi/Winks:** The central midfield battle could dictate control of the game.
    *   **Isak vs. Leicester Centre-Backs (Faes/Coady/Okoli):** Can Leicester's defence handle Isak's movement and finishing?
    *   **Newcastle Wingers vs. Leicester Wing-Backs:** Exploiting the flanks will be key for Newcastle's attack.

This EPL tactical analysis suggests Newcastle will be on the front foot, probing a potentially deep-lying Leicester defence.

## Summary and Key Takeaways

This Premier League fixture pits a desperate Leicester City against a Newcastle side buoyed by recent silverware. Despite playing at home, Leicester's appalling form under Van Nistelrooy makes them significant underdogs. Newcastle's injury list is a concern, particularly the potential absence of Anthony Gordon, but they possess greater overall quality and confidence.

**Key Takeaways & Betting Angles:**

*   Newcastle are strong favourites to win.
*   Over 2.5 goals and Both Teams To Score (Yes) look like probable outcomes.
*   Consider Newcastle Win & BTTS for better odds.

**Fantasy Football Tips:**

*   **Captain Pick Consideration:** Alexander Isak (NEW) is the prime candidate for goals.
*   **Differential:** Bruno Guimaraes (NEW) offers assist and bonus point potential.
*   **Avoid:** Leicester defenders are risky given their recent record. Wilfred Ndidi (LEI) could offer points if he performs, but carries risk.

Expect Newcastle to control the tempo and create more chances. While Leicester's fight for survival could see them score, the Magpies' quality should ultimately secure the victory in this Monday night football clash.