Newcastle United travel to the King Power Stadium to challenge Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester in another huge match for Eddie Howe.
After edging out Burnley 1-0 last time out, the Magpies have their eyes set on back-to-back wins for the first time this season, with Howe’s team selection causing plenty of discussion amongst supporters.
He named the same side as the one which started against the Clarets, but the omission of Federico Fernandez was met with disdain by many Newcastle supporters.
Will Newcastle be relegated?
Yes!
No!
What these Newcastle fans said
“Poor Fede.” @6IXGOAT
“Free Fed.” @kempza1k
“Free Fed man.” @wilce2005
“Come on lads, this is massive. Just missing Fede for perfect 11.” @agbnufc_
“Pls include one time at least Fernandez on the starting XI.” @Kouta_444
“No Fede, no peace.” @tuiloreis
Fernandez has now started just once since the October international break, despite making an impression whenever he has featured. Of anyone to have started a league game for Newcastle this season, he has the best passing accuracy rate with 87.4%, whereas the Magpies have the lowest average possession in the top flight with just 38%.
Against a Leicester side who have netted 23 league goals this term, it’s understandable that ball retention could count for a lot today, and the Argentine could’ve boosted Newcastle in this regard.
Only time will tell if the decision to leave out the 32-year-old is the right one by Howe, who is seeking a first away win of the season for the Magpies this afternoon.
In other news: Many Newcastle fans react to this transfer update