Leicester City will hope to continue the good spirits under new manager Ruud van Nistelrooy when they face volatile but dangerous Newcastle United at St James' Park on Saturday.
Leicester have taken four points from six from two games under Van Nistelrooy and the Foxes are five points clear of the bottom three and six points behind their Saturday hosts.
WATCH – Newcastle vs Leicester City
Newcastle is 5-5-5, in 12th place with 20 points and well away from its hopeful place in the top four thanks to a stunning record.
The Magpies have a 2W-2D-1L record against the Premier League's so-called Big Six teams this season, including draws against Liverpool and Man City. But they also disappointed with 3W-3D-4L against the other 13 teams in the division.
In order to return to Europe, they have to put in strong performances again against everyone. That may not be easy after similarly disappointing midway through last season, but Eddie Howe has the talent and track record to remedy the situation.
How to watch Newcastle vs Leicester City live, with stream link and start time
Kick-off time: Saturday, 10 a.m. ET
Venue: St James' Park – Newcastle-upon-Tyne
TV channels: USA Network
Streaming: Watch live on NBC.com
Newcastle United team news, focus
Alexander Isak has been very dangerous in recent weeks, but somehow also a bit wasteful. The Golden Boot-caliber striker will look to do this with talented wingers Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes among others taking center stage. Bruno Guimaraes has also seen an upturn in form.
OUT: Sven Botman (knee), Jamaal Lascelles (knee), Emil Krafth (shoulder) | QUESTIONABLE: Joe Willock (hamstring injury)
Leicester City team news, Focus
Jamie Vardy is 15th in Premier League history when it comes to goals (142), two behind Robin van Persie and four behind Teddy Sheringham. The soon-to-be 38-year-old is 20 goals behind the top 10. Can he stay productive long enough to reach that mark?
Departures: Boubakary Soumare (suspension), Harry Winks (groin), Jakub Stolarczyk (ankle), Ricardo Pereira (thigh), Abdul Fatawu (knee – out for the season) | QUESTIONABLE: Odsonne Edouard (unknown)
Prediction between Newcastle and Leicester City
The Magpies are capable of excellence and have generally been better at home than away during the Howe era, at least in terms of performance. Isak will be too much for the Foxes' backline and there will be spoils to be had as Leicester focus on the Swedish striker. But Leicester can also attack, and Newcastle have had their weaknesses in defending top strikers. If Vardy stays hot it will be an upset before a more expected result. Newcastle 2-1 Leicester.
