NEWCASTLE UNITED will be presented with the opportunity to secure a top-four finish in the Premier League when they meet Leicester City at St James' Park on Monday night.
Eddie Howe's team tightened their grip on third spot when thumping Brighton 4-1 on Thursday, on a night where my Bet Builder banked.
That success against the Seagulls means the Magpies are now in pole position for a place in the Champions League for the first time in 20 years.
In fact, Newcastle go into their penultimate game of the season knowing that three points against Leicester City will guarantee them a seat at Europe's top-table next term.
In contrast, the Foxes were pushed closer to tumbling through the top-flight trap door with a limp showing when losing 3-0 at home to Liverpool on Monday night.
The permutations surrounding the Premier League relegation scrap means that Dean Smith's will almost certainly have to beat Newcastle if they are to pull off the great escape.
Outright Betting
Newcastle United, who have already beaten Leicester City twice this season, go into their final home match of the season as heavy 2/5 (Bet 365) favourites.
Leicester City have collected just two points from their last seven top-flight road trips and the bookmakers' prices point towards those away day blues continuing, with a Foxes win trading at 7/1 (BetVictor) while the the draw is also considered improbable at 9 2/ (Unibet)
Betting Angles
Here, I think Newcastle are if anything a tad short, so I'll instead head to the anytime goalscorer market and back Calum Wilson to score at 11/10 (PaddyPower)
After bagging a brace at Leeds last weekend, the Toon striker took his tally for the season to 18 when subsequently notching against Brighton last time out.
In doing so, the Newcastle number nine became the club's highest scorer in a top-flight campaign since Geordie legend Alan Shearer 19 years ago.
It's also worth pointing out that in-from Wilson has scored 11 league goals since April and that doesn't bode well for a Leicester backline that have been leaking goals at an alarming rate all season.
The relegation-threatened Foxes have failed to file a clean sheet in each of their last 21 Premier League assignments, a wretched sequence that stretches all the way to before the World Cup break.
Given that Dean Smith's side will have to throw caution to the wind as only a win will do here, that should open up numerous opportunities and spaces for Champions League-chasing Newcastle to exploit.
With that in mind, coupled with Leicester's long-standing defensive frailties, backing Toon top-scorer Wilson to strike at 11/10 (PaddyPower) looks the obvious solution at what should be a party-like atmosphere at St James' Park.
Given that Leicester are approaching last chance saloon in terms of their survival bid, I'll also back the visitors to hit at least four corners here at 31/20 (PaddyPower).
Dean Smith's side could well find themselves chasing the game on Monday night and after covering the 4+ flag kick line against Liverpool last week, they look worthy of interest to follow suit here in a game loaded with jeopardy at both ends of the Premier League table.
This English Premier League match between Newcastle United and Leicester City will be played on May 22, 2023 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Newcastle United vs Leicester City prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
