Journalist Daniel Wales is confident that Newcastle United will progress into the last eight of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night when they take on Leicester City at St. James’ Park.
The Magpies will be looking to bounce back from a shock 2-1 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup third round on Saturday, while Brendan Rodgers’ side will be in search of back-to-back wins after a narrow 1-0 win at Gillingham last time out.
The two sides recently met at the King Power Stadium on Boxing Day, where Eddie Howe’s men romped to a comfortable 3-0 win thanks to goals from Chris Wood, Miguel Almiron and Joelinton.
Newcastle are enjoying an excellent campaign so far, and currently sit in third place in the Premier League. Leicester on the other hand, sit in 13th, just two points above the relegation zone.
Rodgers’ side will need to tighten up at the back and hope that their quick forwards can deliver if they want to qualify for the last eight.
Wales said: “Newcastle come into their second cup tie in the space of four days this evening, against a Leicester City side who are still without star man James Maddison.
“Tonight in the League Cup promises to be a special occasion with thousands of black and white scarves set to be waved in the build-up to kick off.”
Changes in personnel are predicted for both teams. For the hosts, first-choice goalkeeper Nick Pope is expected to return the side after he was left out for Martin Dubravka against the Gills.
Wales continued: “Callum Wilson will likely feature, along with the usual names of Kieran Trippier, Sven Botman, Bruno Guimaraes and Miguel Almiron. It is expected that Allan Saint-Maximin will be in the squad, but whether he starts remains to be seen.
“Newcastle will also be encouraged with the return of record transfer Alexander Isak, who made his competitive return on Saturday.”
Maddison remains sidelined for the visitors, while Marc Albrighton is likely to start as Dennis Praet continues his recovery from injury.
Timothy Castagne, Daniel Amartey and Luke Thomas are all poised to return to the starting XI.
“The lack of injuries for Newcastle should help them over the line against a depleted Leicester squad,” Wales said.
“Most in black and white would be happy with any sort of victory that would take them into the semi-final, but I can see a relatively comfortable 2-0 win occurring, with United pressing home that home advantage.”
