Newcastle United’s hopes of claiming another big Premier League scalp have been handed a boost with the news that they face Leicester City just a few days after their difficult trip to Napoli.
The Magpies boast a strong recent record at the King Power Stadium, having won three of their last four visits and will be confident ahead of their next visit following their emphatic 4-2 victory in the East Midlands just four months ago.
Steve Bruce’s side put on a counter-attacking masterclass as goals from Joe Willock, Paul Dummett and Callum Wilson (2) earned them an impressive three points to all but secure their Premier League status for another season.
And while they may feel confident ahead of their next visit to the Foxes due to their exploits in Europe, Leicester’s recent record when playing Premier League matches after European nights may give them food for thought.
Brendan Rodgers’ side possessed an excellent record last season in league fixtures played directly after Europa League games, as they won six out of eight, including impressive victories at the Emirates, Elland Road and Villa Park.
The Foxes have also added Boubakary Soumare, Patson Daka, Ryan Bertrand and Jannik Vestergaard to their already impressive squad, while Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall provides another strong option to Rodgers following his return from a loan spell at Luton Town.
Although on the face of it Leicester appear well equipped for another season of Europa League football, Newcastle could prove to be the worst possible opponents for a Premier League clash directly after a European night due to the pace on the counter of the likes of Allan Saint-Maximin, Miguel Almiron, Joe Willock and Callum Wilson.
Leicester's trip to the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium takes place on Thursday, December 9, with the Magpies clash currently scheduled for Saturday, December 11.
