Mark Lawrenson and Matt Fitzpatrick predict Leicester v Newcastle United
Mark Lawrenson has previewed the Leicester v Newcastle match on Friday night.
The former Liverpool defender pointing out that it is also a contest between two former Anfield managers.
Brendan Rodgers facing Rafa Benitez after he (Rodgers) deserted Celtic once a chance to return to the Premier League came along.
Mark Lawrenson points to positive results since the new manager arrived and Leicester have won the last four, but you also have to take into account who they have played, Fulham and Huddersfield who are now relegated along with struggling Bournemouth and Brighton.
At the King Power they have beaten Bournemouth and Fulham but before that the Foxes lost at home to Palace, Man Utd, Southampton and Cardiff in the previous four when having home advantage.
Mark Lawrenson also mentions Newcastle’s ‘away form is not the greatest’ but there is a bit more to that when you scratch the surface.
Newcastle have lost five of the last eight Premier League away games but those included Chelsea, Liverpool, Spurs and Arsenal.
The fact remains that in 16 away games this season, Newcastle have only lost to the top six and West Ham. There is only two wins at Huddersfield and Burnley but very credible draws at the likes of Wolves, Watford, Everton and Bournemouth, Newcastle leading in all four of those and ending up throwing away points.
Mark Lawrenson predicts a 2-0 home victory but no reason why Newcastle can’t pick up at least a point if on their game.
The BBC Sport guest this week is Sheffield United fan Matt Fitzpatrick, who is better known as a golfer and playing at the Masters this week. He ruined a decent opening round by dropping five shots in the final six holes to end the day six over.
Hopefully his predictions are better, Fitzpatrick going for Newcastle to win 1-0.
Mark Lawrenson talking to BBC Sport:
“Two former Liverpool managers go head to head here.
“With Leicester’s Brendan Rodgers up against Newcastle’s Rafael Benitez.
“I have a feeling Rodgers will come out on top because he has got the Foxes at it.
“They have won their past four games and Newcastle’s away form is not the greatest anyway.
“The Magpies have been relying on results at St James Park to keep them out of trouble.
“But I don’t see them getting dragged back into the relegation scrap because one more win will essentially see them safe.
“Prediction is Leicester 2 Newcastle 0.”
Matt Fitzpatrick:
“This is a tough one.
“Jamie Vardy is back scoring for Leicester, while Newcastle still need to get some more points to stay up.
“I am going to go for a Magpies win. 0-1.”
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