Newcastle United and Leicester City couldn’t be further apart in their current Premier League standings, with Newcastle looking like a team on the rise and Leicester struggling to keep their heads above water. It’s a stark contrast to when the Foxes won the league just seven years ago, and Newcastle were relegated to the Championship. But now, Newcastle are pushing for a spot in the Champions League, while Leicester are fighting to avoid relegation.
It’s a reminder that success in football is not permanent. Teams can rise and fall quickly, and the current state of Newcastle and Leicester is proof of that. But while Newcastle are on an upward trajectory, Leicester are facing a daunting task to prolong their stay in the Premier League. They may have done the impossible in 2016, but lightning rarely strikes twice in the same place.
Despite the struggles of Leicester, Eddie Howe and Newcastle can’t afford to take them lightly. The Foxes are fighting for their survival, and that desperation could fuel an upset against Newcastle. Howe will need to make some tough choices in midfield with Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock out, but Miguel Almiron has been playing well and Allan Saint-Maximin could make a comeback into the starting XI.
While Newcastle are on the rise, the ultimate goal should always be the same – to achieve excellence year after year. Even Manchester City struggled this season after winning the league with a record-breaking 100 points the year before. It’s important to celebrate success, but it’s equally important to stay humble and keep pushing for more.
In the end, football is unpredictable and anything can happen. But Newcastle look like a team that is built for the long haul, with committed owners, a talented squad, and a manager who knows how to get the best out of his players. There will be setbacks along the way, but if they can stay focused and keep pushing forward, the sky’s the limit for the Magpies.
Monday’s game against Leicester may not be the end-all-be-all for Newcastle’s Champions League hopes, but it’s still an important match that they can’t afford to lose. The Foxes will be fighting tooth and nail to avoid relegation, and it will be up to Newcastle to match their intensity and show that they belong among the Premier League’s elite.
