(REUTERS)
Newcastle need just one point to secure Champions League football next season as they host Leicester City in the Premier League tonight.
Eddie Howe’s men are currently third in the table and know that if they avoid defeat to the Foxes they will secure a top four finish in the first full season since the Saudi-backed takeover of the club.
Leicester meanwhile are hoping to avoid relegation. They are 19th in the table but a victory tonight would send them out of the drop zone (on goal difference) ahead of this weekend’s final league fixtures.
Dean Smith’s side have not won in four matches and were heavily beaten last time out against Liverpool. Can they surprise the Magpies and earn a win away from home?
We’ll have all the action from St. James’ Park in our live blog below:
Newcastle United vs Leicester City
Despite the disappointment of not scoring, if things remain as they are, Newcastle’s primary aim of confirming Champions League football for next season will be achieved. For Leicester, change is necessary in the second 45, with a draw not enough to put their fate back in their hands ahead of the final Premier League matches in six days. With Barnes and Maddison both on the bench, Dean Smith could well be persuaded into an early change.
Newcastle United vs Leicester City
After a slow start by both sides, Newcastle have been the only team to produce anything of note so far. They have hit the post through both Wilson and Almiron, and their number nine has also had a couple of other decent chances go astray. Isak has been busy but he too squandered his biggest chance of the half after Almiron hit the woodwork.
Newcastle United vs Leicester City
HALF-TIME: NEWCASTLE UNITED 0-0 LEICESTER CITY
Newcastle United vs Leicester City
Soumare is lucky not to give a late penalty away after a careless challenge on Almiron, who stays on his feet.
Newcastle United vs Leicester City
Newcastle United vs Leicester City
Newcastle United vs Leicester City
Close again for Newcastle. Trippier’s corner goes all the way to the back post, where it is just too high for Wilson, who heads over.
Newcastle United vs Leicester City
Better defending this time by Faes, who holds off his man before launching clear inside the six-yard box.
Newcastle United vs Leicester City
Newcastle United vs Leicester City
Leicester are dropping deeper by the minute now. They need half-time to come as soon as possible.
#Newcastle #Leicester #LIVE #stream #Latest #score #updates #Premier #League #clash #hosts #pile #pressure