A year ago, Leicester City were battling relegation. And now, they are on the cusp of winning the league in what will arguably be the biggest upset many football fans have seen in their lifetimes. Just nine games separate the industrious and ambitious Foxes from a coveted and deserved spot in on the winners' podium this May, and they will be hoping to put more distance between themselves and Tottenham with a win over struggling side Newcastle United.
Leicester City
Leicester City will be coming into this game having earned a hard-fought 1-0 win over Watford. Out of their past five matches, the Foxes have lost just once - a 2-1 reversal to Arsenal on Valentines' Day - and naturally, the hosts will be keen on making sure they can stay clear of Tottenham as the 2015/2016 Premier League season approaches its final two months. To date, only Arsenal have been able to beat them home and away this campaign.
With just three defeats all season, Leicester truly have been the side to beat in this current campaign, but it's at home where Claudio Ranieri's men have truly shone. At the King Power Stadium, this season's surprise leaders have lost just one out of their past 17 matches, whilst picking up 11 wins and five draws. Out of their last six home games, the Foxes have also managed to keep clean sheets in five but were disappointed to concede twice during a two-all draw against West Brom at the beginning of this month.
Fortunately for the hosts, they will have pretty much a full-strength available, with Riyad Mahrez's injury not as serious as initially feared: the Algerian star, who scored the winner against Watford, was only suffering from a hamstring cramp as opposed to a pull, and so will be able to feature against Newcastle this Monday. Given that he has been directly involved in 26 goals for the Foxes this season - with 15 goals and 11 assists, fans will surely be pleased and relieved that he will be able to join current Premier League top goalscorer Jamie Vardy in attack.
Interestingly, in their past meetings, it was Newcastle who enjoyed the historical advantage, but not so much as of late. Prior to February 2015, Leicester had not beaten the Magpies in their past seven meetings, with four losses and three draws. Yet, indeed, the tides have truly turned over the past 13 months: the Foxes have now won their past two matches against Newcastle, whilst outscoring them six goals to nil.
Newcastle United
Monday's match will be the first for Newcastle United under new coach Rafa Benitez. Currently in a dismal 19th place, the team's executive board finally grew frustrated with the Magpies' performances under Steve McClaren and dismissed him this past Friday. After being sacked himself by Real Madrid, Benitez will be eager to show his worth as a manager, And having being at the helm of clubs like Valencia, Inter, Napoli, and two Premier League giants - Liverpool and Chelsea - the Spanish tactician certainly brings a lot of experience to the Newcastle bench.
But this be enough to save the Magpies, who managed to finish in 15th last season? With just nine games remaining, the pressure will be on Benitez to turn the club's fortunes around - and quickly. However, he may take some inspiration from Leicester, who were in a similar position last season, but managed to pick up seven wins from their last nine league games to pull off the greatest escape that most Premier League fans have ever seen.
However, Newcastle will be coming into this match having lost 17 out of their last 21 Premier League games on the road. In addition, the Magpies truly do appear to be suffering from a serious case of "miserable Mondays" as they have been defeated in every single one of their past eight matches played on a Monday, which also happened to be unfortunately away from home, and have failed to score in the most recent five.
To make an already dire situation even worse, Newcastle, who have lost their past three league games - will be arriving at King Power Stadium with a growing list of injuries. Papiss Cissé, Andros Townsend, Chancel Mbemba, Tim Krul, Fabricio Coloccini, and Cheick Tioté are among those who are either out or in doubt for this game, making Benitez's job even more complicated as he attempts to select his best starting XI.
Which channel is broadcasting Leicester City vs Newcastle United on TV or Online?
Claudio Ranieri's side have arguably been this season's surprise packages, and Leicester City will be hoping to continue in their great vein of form as they welcome Newcastle United to King Power Stadium this Monday. It's shocking that a year ago that the Foxes were in the same position their opponents currently find themselves, but that is indeed the interesting and unpredictable nature of football.
This will be a game not to miss, but if you are too far away to make it to King Power Stadium to catch the match live, no worries. LiveSoccerTV.com has compiled plenty of options to view all the action via your TV, computer, phone, or tablet.
Here are some options for fans living elsewhere in the UK and in the following countries:
- In the USA at 16.00 EST on: NBC Sports Live Extra, NBCSN, Westwood One Sports, NBC UNIVERSO, NBC Deportes En Vivo Extra
- In the UK at 20.00 GMT on: Sky Go UK, SKY GO Extra, Sky Sports 1/HD UK, BBC Radio 5 Live
- In Canada at 16.00 ET on: Sportsnet One, Sportsnet World Now, Sportsnet World
Live elsewhere? Check out our special Leicester City vs Newcastle United broadcast page for viewing times and options for your current location.
*Note: Live broadcast data is subject to change*
Match details, result and original broadcast info
Leicester City 1 - 0 Newcastle United
March 14, 2016 4:00pmKing Power Stadium (Leicester, Leicestershire)This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
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