Leicester City will be hoping to consolidate their place in the Champions League against Newcastle United, as they currently sit five points clear of fifth placed West Ham.
Brendan Rodgers’ side host Newcastle off the back of a disappointing 1-1 draw with a ten man Southampton, after winning their previous three games including their FA Cup semi-final 1-0, also against the Saints.
Rodgers was unsurprisingly displeased drawing with a side who were playing with a man less for 80 minutes, but admitted his expectations going into the match weren’t outlandishly high.
“Before the game we might have taken it but given the circumstances of the game we felt we should have done better.”
He faces off against a Steve Bruce side still trying to secure their Premier League status for next season, knowing that three points will all but secure their place at the expense of Fulham.
The Magpies come into the match full of confidence from their recent form, taking points of both Liverpool and Tottenham, and beating Champions League hopefuls West Ham.
For Rodgers however, the Northern Irishman is confident in his side’s ability going into the match.
“We come into this Newcastle game looking to win, so the mentality doesn’t change too much on Friday.”
Discussing the Newcastle team, Rodgers recognised their style of play could be dangerous to his side, and he expects Bruce’s side to stick to the style that have seen their improved form as of late.
“They will be very good on the counter attack, they have some excellent and dangerous players. Newcastle are a team that like to impose their style of play,” Rodgers continued.
“We know it’s going to be a tough game against a well organised side, but obviously we hope it will be a difficult game for Newcastle as well.”
Leicester have their own dangerous players however, with Kelechi Iheanacho nominated for the Premier League Player of The Month following his blistering form as of late, scoring nine goals and bagging two assists since the start of March, the Nigerian expected to continue leading the line for The Foxes.
In terms of team news, Jonny Evans is available for Leicester following a scan after the Southampton match, with Jamie Vardy is also set to return to action after picking up a knock against The Saints.
Meanwhile, Fabian Schär will miss his sides next three games, after an unsuccessful appeal for his red card against beaten Europa League semi-finalists Arsenal, with inform Joe Willock ineligible to play against his parent club.
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