Newcastle v Leicester preview: Jamie Vardy targets record

Image: Jamie Vardy has scored 12 goals in the Premier League this season

Jamie Vardy may have the chance to equal Ruud van Nistelrooy's record of scoring in 10 consecutive Premier League games when Leicester go to Newcastle.

The striker's participation in the match is in doubt as he recovers from a hip injury, with manager Claudio Ranieri saying he faces a late fitness test to see if he will be available.

Vardy's goals have helped the Foxes flourish this season and they travel to St James' Park in strong form, having won four of their last five league matches.

Shinji Okazaki spoke to Soccer Saturday about Leicester's fantastic start to the season and what it's like playing with Jamie Vardy in attack

While Leicester are the second-highest scorers in the league, Newcastle have struggled in front of goal, aside from the 6-2 thrashing of Norwich.

Summer signing Aleksandar Mitrovic has only found the net twice and Papiss Cisse just once.

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However, they have kept clean sheets in both their previous matches - a draw against Stoke and win at Bournemouth - and defender Daryl Janmaat has said they will be doing everything possible to prevent Vardy scoring.

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Rolando Aarons (ankle) and Jack Colback (knee) will be missing for Newcastle as well as long-term absentees Tim Krul (knee) and Steven Taylor (hamstring).

Gabriel Obertan and Rob Elliot could be available for selection after recovering from injuries.

Image: Rob Elliot produced a man-of-the-match display at Bournemouth

Vardy will be assessed after missing England's games against Spain and France during the international break with a hip injury.

Leonardo Ulloa, Shinji Okazaki and Andrej Kramaric stand by to deputise if Vardy fails to recover in time, while only long-term absentee Matty James (knee) is out for boss Claudio Ranieri.

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Newcastle have lost just one of their last eight Premier League clashes with Leicester (W4 D3), although that defeat did come in the last meeting between the teams at the King Power Stadium in May.

At St James' Park, the Magpies have won each of their last four home league meetings with Leicester, with the Foxes netting just one goal in total in those games.

Leonardo Ulloa has scored three goals across the Foxes' last two meetings with Newcastle in all competitions.

Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri is hopeful Jamie Vardy will be fit but won't risk him if he is not 100%.

The Magpies have kept two Premier League clean sheets in the row. They last went three top-flight games without conceding back in November 2014.

Steve McClaren's side have managed just one goal in total in their last three Premier League fixtures.

Leicester have suffered just one defeat this season in the top-flight, a league-low figure along with Tottenham.

Merson's prediction

Leicester are the best team you'll ever see when they're 2-0 down, but before 2-0 down they're not as impressive.

Newcastle have to come out and have a go, and the fans will expect action, and that plays into Leicester's hands.

Newcastle were extremely fortunate against Bournemouth, it could have so easily been a really bad result on the south coast. I think there will be goals here and an entertaining game.

PAUL PREDICTS: 2-2 (11/1 with Sky Bet)

Jamie Redknapp joins Ed Chamberlin to preview Saturday's games, including Newcastle v Leicester

Betting

Leicester's progress under Claudio Ranieri is reflected in Sky Bet rating them as 7/5 favourites for the victory, with Newcastle 17/10 while the draw is a 13/5 chance.

The Foxes are now considered genuine contenders for a top-six finish at 3/1 while they are currently 12/1 to qualify for the Champions League.

Jamie Vardy is the 7/2 favourite in the first goalscorer betting and is 5/6 to equal Ruud van Nistelrooy's record of scoring in 10 successive Premier League matches, while Aleksandar Mitrovic is rated the hosts' main threat at 6/1 to open the scoring.

The St James' Park clash is part of this week's Super 6 line-up, with a bumper £1m jackpot up for grabs. Make your predictions here.

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