Pundicts predict Champions League joy for Newcastle United and why Leicester City ‘can’t compete’

Newcastle United will be celebrating a place in the Champions League this week, according to the Premier League’s two main pundits.

Victory for Eddie Howe’s men against Leicester City, unless Liverpool slip up at home to Aston Villa, will be enough to guarantee a top four finish.

Thursday night’s win over Brighton moved Newcastle four points clear of Jurgen Klopp’s side with only two matches remaining.

The visit of Leicester will bring the curtain down on their home campaign and it would be a fitting finish to the season if a Champions League place could be secured in front of their own fans at St James’ Park.

Newcastle United welcome a Leicester City side deep in relegation trouble. They could be playing Championship football next season if results go against them this weekend.

Pundits Mark Lawrenson and Chris Sutton have delivered their verdict on the fixture and both cannot see past a home win.

‘Leicester won’t be able to compete’

Chris Sutton says: “Leicester have scored more goals than any other team in the bottom half of the table – and more than Aston Villa, who are eighth, too.

“The Foxes have some excellent attacking players but their defence is just not good enough. Even the return of Jonny Evans, who is a real warrior, has not changed that.

“That’s why I don’t think they will be able to compete with Newcastle, who have got a top-four finish in their sights and could take a big step towards that here.”

Sutton’s prediction: 3-1

‘Geordies will be well up for it’

Mark Lawrenson says: “Leicester got beat at home last time by Liverpool and the score could have been anything.

“Newcastle, it’s their last home game of the season and the Geordies will be well up for it.

“Home win.”

Lawro predicts: Newcastle 2-0 Leiceste