In the 1/16 finals of the English League Cup, Newcastle managed to beat the difficult Crystal Palace (1:0) only in a penalty shootout. Already at the next stage, the “magpies” decided the outcome of the confrontation in regular time, while not even scoring. Smith sent the ball into his own net in the 67th minute and his “Bournemouth” out of the tournament. In the Premier League the Black-and-Whites have nine victories and eight peaceful outcomes after 18 rounds, which corresponds to 35 points and third position, which is the best result in recent years. In addition, the hosts have the most reliable defensive performance in the league. In the last game Eddie Howe’s wards tied with Arsenal (0:0). Shelvey, Kraft, Isak and Dammet, who has a leg injury, will not be able to play today.
This week Leicester beat Gillingham (1:0) in the first leg of the FA Cup, not without difficulty, which may have a positive effect on the condition of the players. At the previous stage of the English League Cup, the Blues delighted the fans and managed to defeat the Dons (3:0). Things are not so rosy for today’s guests in the Premier League tournament, where the Foxes, after a break for World Cup matches, lost all the matches, losing in turn to Newcastle (0:3), Liverpool (1:2). In the first game of 2023 the citizens unexpectedly lost to the newcomer of the top division, Fulham (0:1), at home. Praet, Pereira, Maddison, Justin, Evans, Daka and Bertrand, who has a knee injury, will not be able to play today.
