Preview: Leicester City vs. Newcastle United - prediction, team news, lineups

Both sides booked their place in the EFL Cup quarter-finals on their return to competitive action in midweek.

Match preview

After a dreadful start and yet another defeat away at Bournemouth, it looked as if Brendan Rodgers's days were numbered at Leicester in early October.

However, within just a month they were comfortably off the bottom of the standings and in mid-table after taking 13 points from six matches following defeat at the Vitality Stadium.

Despite suffering 6-2 and 5-2 defeats during their torrid start, they have now stabilised their goal difference too, by scoring more goals than any side outside the current top six.

Impressive 4-0 wins over Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton Wanderers were a major factor in that, as was the form of James Maddison, who has contributed to 11 goals in the Premier League already this season - only four players have contributed to more.

Making light work of MK Dons in the cup in midweek suggests that Leicester may be able to pick up where they left off too.

While Leicester's recovery has been impressive, it is arguable that no team in Europe have overachieved as much as Newcastle this season.

The Magpies are a staggering 20 points better off than they were at this stage last season as they sit in third, just two points behind Manchester City and four clear of Manchester United, the closest side challenging them for a top four spot.

Five straight league wins ensured their spot in the Champions League positions in time for the World Cup break, as they are unbeaten in all competitions since a late defeat at Anfield in August - their only loss of the season so far.

A very settled defence, including the new addition of Sven Botman, and the blistering form of October's Premier League Player of the Month Miguel Almiron, have made Eddie Howe's team a revelation.

Like Leicester, they also picked up where they left off by beating Bournemouth in a dominant display on Tuesday in the EFL Cup.

Leicester City Premier League form:

D

W

W

L

W

W

Leicester City form (all competitions):

W

L

W

W

W

W

Newcastle United Premier League form:

D

W

W

W

W

W

Newcastle United form (all competitions):

W

W

W

W

W

W

Team News

Leicester had seven players at the World Cup, but almost all of them had returned to the club following the outcome of the group stages.

Danny Ward, Daniel Amartey, Wout Faes, Timothy Castagne and Youri Tielemans were among the important players present at the finals, but all exited early and are ready to resume club action.

Maddison was with the England side who reached the quarter-finals, but having not played a single minute, he will not have too much strain in his legs.

He is a doubt for this one, though, due to the ongoing knee issue which almost cost him the chance of being named in the squad.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is fit despite suffering a tweak in his calf during a behind-closed-doors friendly with Sheffield United, but Johnny Evans will be out for a while after an injury picked up against Troyes in their other friendly during the break.

Ryan Bertrand, Ricardo Pereira and James Justin all remain on the sidelines, while Caglar Soyuncu faces a late fitness test for this one as Leicester's defensive injuries continue to mount.

Alexander Isak is still not ready to return for Newcastle, but the Swedish striker should be back in time for their hectic January schedule.

The Scottish pair of Ryan Fraser and Elliot Anderson should be fit enough to return to the matchday squad here, but Matt Ritchie, Paul Dummett and Emil Krafth all remain out in wide defensive areas for Howe's side.

There was just one change to the side in midweek from the XI that beat Chelsea before the break, with Callum Wilson coming in for Chris Wood up front, so they will likely remain unchanged from the side that beat Bournemouth.

Leicester City possible starting lineup:

Ward; Castagne, Amartey, Faes, Thomas; Soumare, Tielemans, Dewsbury-Hall, Praet, Barnes; Daka

Newcastle United possible starting lineup:

Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; S Longstaff, Bruno Guimaraes, Willock; Almiron, Wilson, Joelinton

We say: Leicester City 1-1 Newcastle United

Leicester undoubtedly turned a corner just before the break and Newcastle have been terrific all season, so this will be a very interesting clash which could go either way.

Previews by email