EFL Cup: Magpies are Looking for Silver

Newcastle United vs Leicester City

Newcastle United will aim to rediscover their winning habit on Tuesday when they welcome Leicester City to St James Park for a fascinating EFL Cup quarter final clash.

Eddie Howe’s Magpies are serious contenders for a Champions League spot, currently sitting third in the Premier League table, while Brendan Rodgers’ Foxes are down in 13^th. But they are both in the hunt for some silverware. The Carabao Cup 2023 betting odds make these two teams third and fourth favourites to win the trophy at 7.50 and 13.00, behind the Manchester giants, after Newcastle saw off Bournemouth in the last round while Leicester won well away to MK Dons.

The Geordies have been flying high this year with their Carabao Cup 2023 results matching their impressive performances in the league, but they have gone three games without a victory, playing out goalless draws with Leeds United and Arsenal and then Newcastle went out of the FA Cup to Sheffield Wednesday in a 2-1 loss at Hillsborough while Leicester won their tie away to Gillingham 1-0.

These two teams met on Boxing Day and the Magpies ran out 3-0 winners, so the Foxes have an added incentive to upset their hosts on Tuesday night. But Eddie Howe’s team under their Saudi owners have an obligation to pick up silverware, particularly if they slip up in the highly competitive race of a top four place.

The dynamics of this encounter make it a must see for the neutrals and we’re in for an entertaining 90 minutes. 

Talking Points

Newcastle to go strong  

Eddie Howe made a raft of changes to Newcastle’s team against Sheffield Wednesday and he’ll be ready to bring back some of his big guns for this last eight clash. Striker Callum Wilson is set to return alongside Miguel Almiron, who has bagged nine goals this season. Almiron will start on the right with Joelinton on the left, while Allan Saint-Maximum, who has been sidelined with illness could make it to the bench. At the other end of the pitch the excellent Nick Pope will be back in goal with Kieran Trippier and Dan Burn returning in defence.  

After exiting the FA Cup this is the Magpies’ only real chance of silverware this season and they haven’t won a major trophy since 1955. The defeat to the Owls was Newcastle’s first since August and Howe will be determined to avoid it becoming a habit as he aims to bring some success to Tyneside in his first full season.  

Iheanacho set to start for Foxes

While Leicester’s league results have been patchy, to say the least, they have faired much better in the cups. Kelechi Iheanacho scored the only goal in the Foxes’ victory over League two side Gillingham and it was a big moment as an away game against a strong underdog is always perilous for a top flight side. Iheanacho is likely to keep his place for the clash with Newcastle which means veteran striker Jamie Vardy, who has scored three goals in the competition, will probably start on the bench.

Long term Newcastle target James Maddison is unlikely to be fit and that means the experienced Marc Albrighton is primed to start in midfield alongside Wilfred Ndidi and Youri Tielemens.       

There are plenty of bosses under pressure in the Premier League and while Brendan Rodgers isn’t under the same scrutiny as the likes of Frank Lampard at Everton, he will be keen to continue his side’s revival; and winning is a habit in the league and the cups.  

History

In terms of head to heads, Newcastle have won 15 to Leicester’s 14 matches in all competitions since 1994. They nudged ahead when the two teams met on Boxing Day as Howe’s team ran out 3-0 winners at the KingPower Stadium when Chris Wood, Almiron and Joelinton all scored within half an hour.     

Newcastle have three wins, two draws and a defeat over the past six games while Leicester have three wins and three defeats.  

The Geordies are without a win in three but they are unbeaten in 15 games at home.

Betting Tip

The Magpies are at SBOTOP odds of 1.49 to proceed to the semi-finals while Leicester are priced at 2.63; and Newcastle are at odds of 1.61 to win in 90 minutes, with Leicester at 4.84 and the Draw at 3.54.

Howe’s team will be near full strength and their home form is strong, but there is a nagging doubt over a small loss of momentum and Rodgers will see an opportunity here. They are a long way apart in the league, but these two sides are pretty well matched on paper. 

Let’s see what happens when they get on the grass.  

 

●●●

CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS

Stay updated with everything sports and betting.

Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.