Leicester City Vows To Fight Until The End Ahead Of Newcastle United Clash

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Ruud van Nistelrooy has vowed that Leicester City will continue to fight, even though their relegation from the Premier League seems almost certain before their match against Newcastle United. Leicester are 15 points behind 17th-placed Wolves after Vitor Pereira's team defeated Ipswich Town 2-1 on Saturday, a result that appears to have decided the relegation battle.

Southampton made history by becoming the first Premier League team to be relegated with seven games left in the season. Leicester and Ipswich might soon follow them. After a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City on Wednesday, Van Nistelrooy acknowledged that Leicester's relegation seemed inevitable. However, he emphasized that the Foxes would maintain their professionalism.

"We have to get up. It's my responsibility to do my job the best I can for the last eight games," Van Nistelrooy stated. He admitted it's challenging to keep morale high and everyone united because things aren't going well. "We are a team and we stick together. If we do that we have a chance of results," he added.

When asked about leading Leicester through such a difficult season, Van Nistelrooy expressed his commitment: "It's something that I feel I want to go through with the team, the squad and the staff. Stay together and stay connected." He emphasized fighting through this as a collective effort and not wanting to walk away from it.

Meanwhile, Newcastle United enhanced their Champions League qualification hopes with a 2-1 win over Brentford recently. They also benefited from rivals Nottingham Forest and Chelsea dropping points. The only downside for Newcastle was Alexander Isak leaving the field with an injury concern.

Eddie Howe commented on Isak's situation: "Look at my record - I was very injury prone," he said, adding that Alex certainly isn't. Howe explained that Isak uses a physio alongside the club's resources, highlighting trust in managing his fitness effectively.

Players to Watch

Leicester City - Bobby De Cordova-Reid: Since scoring an equaliser in December against Brighton, all 18 Premier League goals at King Power Stadium have been by visiting teams. Only West Brom had a longer streak of away goals in home matches.

Newcastle United - Alexander Isak: Isak has netted eight goals in his last six appearances against teams starting in the relegation zone, including five in his last two matches. If fit, he's expected to challenge Leicester significantly.

Match Prediction

The prediction leans towards a Newcastle United victory. Leicester have lost 10 home Premier League games this season; they have never lost 11 at home in one campaign before (also 10 defeats in previous seasons). Newcastle could achieve eight or more away wins under Eddie Howe for a second time.

Leicester have lost their last seven home league matches without scoring. In English top-flight history, only Manchester City went eight home games without scoring between January and May 2007. The Foxes risk becoming the first Football League side to lose eight consecutive home league games without scoring.