Leicester predicted XI v Newcastle: £70k p/w defender returns as ‘important’ ace continues return to full fitness

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After a disappointing draw against 10-man Southampton last time out, Leicester City will be hoping to return to winning way when they take on Newcastle United this Friday evening.

The Foxes will be looking to do their second consecutive double over their Premier League rivals having beaten Steve Bruce’s men 2-1 earlier in the season, thanks to goals from James Maddison and Youri Tielemans.

Brendan Rodgers’ men will be looking to continue their unbeaten run of form in the Premier League ahead of the FA Cup final against Chelsea on the 15th of May.

And the Foxes will be looking to take advantage of the Geordies’ leaky defence, which has failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their last seven league games. Whilst the Midlands outfit are on a run of scoring across 20 of their last 21 top-flight games, only failing to do so in the 2-0 loss at home to Manchester City.

With regards to team news, Ricardo Pereira and Jonny Evans are back to full fitness whilst the ‘important‘ Maddison is close to being back to his best after completing 90 minutes last Friday. However, the game comes too early for club captain Wes Morgan, who is still out with a back problem.

The back three, which has been employed for the majority of the campaign, should consist of Wesley Fofana, Caglar Soyuncu and Evans, who have formed a solid partnership this year.

Meanwhile, Timothy Castagne, Wilfried Ndidi and Youri Tielemans should continue as part of the midfield four. But, Rodgers’ comments on Pereira may hint at a return to right-back for the £70k per week Portuguese defender, which could see Castagne play on the left as he has done so three times this season.

With Maddison looking sharper and stronger with every passing game, he should join the illustrious duo of Jamie Vardy and Kelechi Iheanacho as part of the front three.

Leicester predicted XI v Newcastle (3-4-3): Schmeichel; Fofana, Evans, Soyuncu; Pereira, Ndidi, Tielemans, Castagne; Maddison, Vardy, Iheanacho.