Premier League preview and odds

NNewcastle United will be hoping to maintain their lofty status on Boxing Day when they meet a revitalized Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.

Ahead of the festival, the Magpies were third in the Premier League, seven points behind leaders Arsenal, while the Foxes had risen to 13th after a good run of form before the World Cup break.

Previous encounters between these two sides have proved entertaining affairs and there is no reason why the East Midlands should not see another free-flowing, high-scoring competition.

Leicester vs Newcastle Betting Tips

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Magpies to keep flying high

There was hope around St James’ Park after the Saudi takeover just over a year ago, but even the most optimistic supporters could not have dreamed of Newcastle finishing third at Christmas and in title talks.

Boss Eddie Howe has done an excellent job so far, giving the Magpies their best at both ends of the field, with 29 goals scored being the fourth-best tally in the division and 11 goals against being the joint-best defensive record.

Newcastle have lost just once in all competitions this season – a 2-1 defeat by Liverpool at the end of August – and are currently unbeaten in 12 league and cup matches.

Howe’s side have won two of their last three meetings against Leicester and the north-east side will be confident of another win despite goals expected from both sides in this game.

While the Magpies have the combined best defensive record, six of their 11 goals have been conceded away and they have kept just two of their seven away league games without conceding.

The Foxes have bounced back from a disastrous start to the campaign, suffering just one loss in their eight games in all competitions, a series of results that have bought boss Brendan Rodgers more time at the top.

Leicester are on a four-game winning streak in all competitions, scoring 10 goals, while they have also scored 11 goals in their last three meetings with Newcastle at the King Power Stadium.

Tip: Newcastle win and both teams score @ 3/1 with Betfred

Paraguay to stay in shape

One of the season’s big success stories was the rebound in the form of Miguel Almiron, a player who appeared to be on the way out of St James’ Park last summer after a stunning spell at Tyneside.

However, the Paraguayan international has scored no fewer than eight goals in the league, which has taken him sixth in the division’s goalscoring chart and topped Newcastle’s Premier League leaderboard this season.

The 28-year-old has been given a new lease of life since Howe took the reins and has particularly shone on his travels of late, having netted four in his last four away games, meaning he could well strike again at Leicester.

Tip: Miguel Almiron can score anytime at 7/4 with Betfred

No post-Christmas cheers for this duo

There is a chance of some cards being pulled out of the bag in the East Midlands and there are two candidates who could get in the way of the referee, the first being Newcastle’s Joelinton.

On Tuesday, the Brazilian played a more advanced role in the Carabao Cup win over Bournemouth but is expected to return to his normal midfield role for Monday’s competition and face the challenges.

The 26-year-old has picked up five yellow cards in the league, making him the most-carded player for his side this season, while also leading in fouls (22) and tackles (33) for his club.

As for Leicester, it could be a long afternoon for full-back Timothy Castagne, who is expected to start at right-back and could have speedster Allan Saint-Maximin on his way.

The Belgian has completed 28 tackles this season – the third highest in the Foxes’ squad – while he is also fourth on the fouls list (12) and could find himself in the book on Boxing Day.

Tip: Joelinton and Timothy Castagne are carded @ 18/1 with Betfred