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Newport Face Leicester In FA Cup Clash

We’re already knee deep in FA Cup action for the weekend, and there’s still plenty more to come before we return to league action next week. From Premier League clashes to David vs Goliath encounters, it truly does feel like there’s something for everyone and we don’t say that lightly. Of course, everyone has a different point of view when it comes to the FA Cup, and while it may have lost ‘something’ over the course of the last few years we tend to believe that it’s still the best domestic club competition in the world – and we don’t say that lightly.

An example of that, in our mind, comes in the form of Newport County vs Leicester City. You’ve got a fourth tier side going up against a Premier League team, and in many ways, Newport will be trying to emulate what the Foxes did when they won the title a few years ago. We know that this wouldn’t be anywhere near that accomplishment in terms of prestige, but that isn’t what we mean. What we mean is that Leicester were the underdog in that scenario, and now, they’re viewed by many teams as the ‘bigger side’ when it comes to these cup encounters. It’s funny how time works, isn’t it?

Newport have done well to establish themselves as a Football League side as of late, to the point where they feel like they finally belong. There’s still a long way to go before they can even think about gaining promotion to the third tier, but with that being said, stranger things have happened. It certainly feels like the gap isn’t all too big anymore and if they can string a few wins together towards the end of the season, anything can happen. Of course, it’s all about taking it one step at a time.

Leicester, on the other hand, are on track for a very good season indeed. They’re situated in the top eight of the Premier League table which, in itself, is an achievement when you consider everything they’ve been through this season. A cup run would likely go hand in hand with that, but you have to wonder what their priorities are. It’s not unreasonable to suggest that they could make a push for a Europa League spot, but the appeal of a day out or two at Wembley could serve as another route into Europe.

Newport’s last six game stretch doesn’t exactly bode well for them from a statistical point of view, but when has that mattered in the FA Cup? Either way, though, they kicked this recent run off with a 2-1 loss against Swindon Town, before bouncing back in the FA Cup with an emphatic win over Wrexham. Back to back losses against Lincoln and Forest Green soon followed to further dent their hopes of promotion, before registering a 0-0 draw against Crawley. A 1-0 loss against Stevenage in their last outing wouldn’t have given them much confidence heading into this one, but again, the rule book goes out of the window at this stage.

Leicester’s last six game spell kicked off with a 1-0 loss to Crystal Palace, but they were able to make up for that ever so slightly with a narrow penalty shootout defeat courtesy of Manchester City. Alas, they were still able to pull a few rabbits out of the hat in the following four days with massive wins against Chelsea and Manchester City – this time in the Premier League. They then lost to Cardiff City which kind of sums up the nature of their inconsistency, but a 1-0 win over Everton got them right back on track.

It’ll come as a surprise to nobody that Leicester lead the overall head to head standings, but to be honest, there isn’t all that much to go on. It’s 3-0 to the Foxes with one draw thrown in there for good measure, and that draw came during their first meeting way back in 1920. They actually haven’t played each other since 1947, and it’s safe to say that things have changed just a little bit for both sides since then. With so much of the ‘unknown’ being present in this fixture, it’ll be interesting to see how both teams approach the game.

Newbury’s Dan Butler will be suspended for this one, which will be viewed as a bit of a knock to their chances by many. Youngster Vashon Neufville could make his debut as a result, and given that he’s come from West Ham United on loan, it’s safe to say that big things are expected of the youngster. Matt Dolan is set for a game day decision regarding whether or not he’ll be fit enough to start, but when it comes to Antoine Semenyo, he’ll almost certainly be featuring on some level.

Claude Puel is expected to make some changes for this one, and he’s even said as much which is to be expected. Rotation is normal for top Premier League sides as they attempt to utilise their resources, with Wes Morgan being one name who will be looking for a start here after missing the last two games. Vicente Iborra will be absent, amid speculation that he’ll be leaving the club during the January transfer window. Hamza Choudhury could well start after putting in a good shift against Everton, with Maddison and Gray expected to be called upon if they’re in a bit of trouble heading towards the hour mark.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yl5y7th35q8

Newport vs Leicester Betting Prediction

The important thing for County will be getting physical with Leicester, and we’re not just saying that as an outright stereotype. It genuinely feels like their best chance to come away with a positive result is by getting in the face of the Foxes, which they certainly won’t enjoy. A fortunate set piece is going to be their best way forward, but of course, they can’t give Leicester any space. In terms of the score itself we think Leicester will eventually break them down just before half time, before Newport come back with an equaliser shortly afterwards.

That is, as we know, one of the biggest risks behind sitting back on a lead. The game will go on with both teams threatening for a winner, but we believe that Leicester will eventually wear the home side down. They’re faster and they’re more well rounded, and eventually, they’ll score a nice team goal to take the lead for a second time. Newport won’t be able to get an equaliser the second time around, and for the most part, that’ll be that.

Still, Newport will walk away knowing that they’ve likely earned the respect of many Leicester players and fans alike.