Newcastle Aims for Champions League Spot Amid Leicester’s Relegation Battle

LEICESTER, England – Newcastle United will look to secure their place in the Champions League as they face relegation-threatened Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on Monday.

After winning the League Cup, Newcastle’s momentum remains high following their recent 2-1 victory over Brentford. With 50 points, they have set their sights on a top-four finish, which is crucial for securing Champions League qualification for next season.

Former England midfielder Jess Anderson shared her views with BBC Sport, emphasizing Newcastle’s advantageous position. “The city is buzzing after their cup win, and the players are also high on confidence. Questions were raised about their performance post-celebration, but they responded well to secure three points,” she said.

The Magpies have enjoyed a resurgence after a rough start to the season, characterized by injuries and inconsistency. But players like Alexander Isak and Jacob Murphy have stepped up considerably over recent weeks. Murphy, in particular, has exceeded expectations, tallying numerous assists for Isak during this critical period.

Newcastle’s current form puts them in a strong position, but they are facing a Leicester side determined to stave off relegation. Leicester currently sits at the bottom of the table with only 17 points, seven points clear of Southampton, who has already been confirmed relegated. With their defense leaking goals consistently, manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has struggled to implement changes made necessary by previous performances.

The stakes are high for Leicester as they seek to avoid relegation, a fate that seems all but sealed at this point in the season. With each match becoming crucial, their performance against Newcastle could be a defining moment. A win is essential to keep their hopes alive for staying in the Premier League.

“If I look back at Leicester’s recent form and their lack of attacking intent, it’s worrying,” noted Anderson. “They need to fight in every game to survive,” she added.

Newcastle is set to face Leicester without several key players, including aneurysms and operations have taken the sizable roster down a notch. Eddie Howe, however, remains confident in his side’s capabilities, especially given their recent success.

The match kicks off at 3 p.m. ET, and both teams will be eager to make a mark. While Newcastle aims for the Champions League, Leicester’s journey is a desperate attempt to salvage their top-flight status.