Leicester to get survival scramble back on track against Magpies

Leicester City (odds-on with Coral at 5/6 for victory) must dust themselves down following a 3-1 defeat to Premier League champions elect Chelsea, and focus on thwarting out-of-form visitors Newcastle United.

The Foxes certainly gave Jose Mourinho’s men a fright with a superb first half strike from Marc Albrighton (11/2 to build on his excellent recent showings with another goal anytime), but eventually succumbed to the Stamford Bridge side.

Coach Nigel Pearson should certainly take positives from that performance, however, and the King Power Stadium club are 5/2 to at least pick up a point from this clash after winning four of their last five to claw their way out of the drop zone.

Guests the Magpies’ malaise, meanwhile, has seen them slip perilously close to the survival scrap and the Tyneside team now sit just four points ahead of their hosts following seven successive defeats.

The Foxes’ forwards’ fight and ferocious pressing should be too much for Newcastle to handle, with aggressive Jamie Vardy, who has struck twice in his last four games, a sensational 7/4 in the anytime market.

Coach Jim Carver’s Magpies men have conceded eight in their last three encounters, so lethal Leicester are 10/3 to score three or more, should they show the same ambition that was evident against Chelsea.

Classy midfield general Esteban Cambiasso is also available at 8/1 to open the scoring, while Argentine Leonardo Ulloa is 5/1 to fire home last.

Newcastle’s hopes may rest upon injuries to key players Robert Huth and Andy King, although the Foxes appeared to adapt to their absence against the Blues with aplomb.

Pearson confirmed the pair are doubts following the Chelsea defeat, stating: “They have got to be doubts (for Newcastle). Until we know the extent of the injuries it is very difficult to give an answer.”

Leicester’s coach was then involved in an unusual exchange with a journalist, in which his cage was clearly rattled, so the visitors will be hoping to cause Pearson to lose his cool again.

The Magpies have not triumphed at the King Power in any of their past five attempts, but have been boosted by the return to fitness of Dutch attacking acquisition Siem de Jong, who struck the final goal last time out and is 7/1 to repeat that feat.

Carver will also be hoping striking starlet Ayoze Perez can build on his opening goal against Swansea City, so the Spaniard is terrific value at 2/1 in the anytime market to trouble Leicester and bring bite to the Magpies.