As 2022 draws to a close, both Brendan Rodgers and Eddie Howe's men will be facing their penultimate Premier League fixture of the year at the King Power Stadium.
The festive action will resume on Boxing Day as Newcastle United will hope to make a bold bid to secure their top four spot - as they head into the new year as the Premier League's most improved team of the season. However, with The Foxes new found form prior to the international break, which seen Brendan Rodgers' men take 13 points out of a possible 18 - The Magpies will have to battle hard in a fixture where they've lost the last five out of seven.
Despite Leicester's recent surge, Newcastle are the only team in the Premier League to win their last five matches in the competition. They continued their fine form after a 1-0 win against Bournemouth in the Carabao cup on Tuesday night, and are rightful favourites for the upcoming meeting.
Newcastle United
Away from Newcastle's attacking prowess and midfield ability, specifically the fine form of Miguel Almiron and Bruno Guimarães, one of Newcastle's best strengths this season has undoubtedly been their defence.
The recruitment of Sven Botman, the 22-year-old Dutch centre-back from Lille, who has spent 177 days on Tyneside without losing a single game for the club, has been crucial to their rigidity at the back.
Also, significant improvement from Fabian Schar as well as Kieran Trippier's star quality, has helped The Geordies attain the joint-best defensive record in the league (tied with Arsenal). Howe's men have only conceded 11 goals in 15 games, and kept 7 clean sheets - with help from summer signing Nick Pope.
Leicester City
After Leicester's disastrous start, losing seven out of their first eight games, Rodgers has seemingly steadied The Foxes ship. The ex-Premier League champions have won back-to-back games for the second time this season, beating both Everton and West Ham 2-0.
Leicester can direct a lot of praise to their star man James Maddison who has helped turn the clubs form around in recent gameweeks. The attacking midfielder has contributed to 11 goals this season, scoring seven and assisting four. This places the 26-year-old sixth in the league rankings for goal involvements.
Quality performances from Harvey Barnes and Youri Tielemans, have also significantly contributed to the clubs upturn in results - with both players together accumulating nine goals.
Ironically, Newcastle have been heavily linked with Maddison, with rumours suggesting he may be poised to make the move to Tyneside in the January transfer window, after first being linked in the summer. However, as it stands, the Englishman will be hoping he can reproduce his recent efforts and beat the most in-form team in the league. (Given that he passes a last minute fitness test, after sustaining a knee injury in Qatar).
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Team News
Leicester
Maddison is still recovering from a knee injury he sustained in Qatar and missed Leicester's clash against MK Dons in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday. It is believed the club will make a late call on his fitness on Boxing Day.
Club Captain, Jonny Evans, remains unavailable after he picked up a calf injury earlier this month, as well as defenders: James Justin (Achilles), Ryan Bertrand (Knee), and Ricardo Pereira (Achilles) who are still nursing injuries and won't be back in action until mid-late January.
Newcastle
The Magpies will still be without record-signing Aleksander Isak, who has been out since September after picking up a hamstring injury in a training session with Sweden.
Emil Krafth is out until at least February after rupturing his cruciate ligament for the second time. Paul Dummet also remains out with a calf issue.
All World Cup recruits are back and fit and will be available for selection: Nick Pope, Bruno Guimarães, Fabian Schar, and Callum Wilson.
Likely lineups
Leicester City:
Ward, Castagne, Amartey, Faes, Thomas, Tielemans, Soumaré, Dewsburry-Hall, Praet, Daka, Barnes
Newcastle United:
Pope, Tripper, Schar, Botman, Burn, Longstaff, Guimarães, Willock, Almiron, Wilson, Joelinton
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Key Players
Harvey Barnes (Leicester City)
Arguably Leicester's most in form player after scoring four goals in his last five matches in the Premier League for The Foxes.
The left-winger, who is known for his electric pace and finishing ability will be up against Trippier, one of Newcastle's most talented defensive assets.
However, as The Geordie's defensive line is rather fluid in attacking transition, Trippier tends to position himself higher up on the right-side of the pitch, leaving Newcastle with a three back system with Burn covering. Ultimately this leaves Howe's men vulnerable to counter attacks, something Barnes has mastered over the years.
The Paraguayan international has shocked everyone this season, particularly, a certain Jack Grealish, with his remarkable displays that have awarded him with eight goals so far; which places him sixth in the race for the Golden Boot.
The 28-year-old was always well sought-after, but struggled to replicate his performances from his MLS days when he was one of Atlanta's best players. However, since Howe's arrival and his innate ability to develop players, Almiron has played the best football of his career. He's confident on the ball, his movement is first class - and he's took his finishing to a whole new level.
Newcastle's top-scorer is sure to cause problems for young Luke Thomas who will likely be the starting left-back for Leicester. The right -winger tends to successfully link up with Tripper down the right channel and have arguably been one of the most successful duo's this season; cementing an excellent partnership.
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Match Details
Where is the game being played?
This Premier League clash will be hosted by Leicester, at The King Power stadium on 26th December, 2022.
What time is kick off?
The match will kick off at 3pm GMT on Monday.
How can I watch?
The game will be available to Amazon Prime subscribers, with coverage starting from 2:30pm. Amazon are currently running a 30-day free trial, which means you could sign up to watch all of the Premier League action without being charged.
Alternatively, radio coverage of the game will be available to listen on LCFC Radio Player and BBC Newcastle.
Both clubs will also be providing live updates on their social media pages.