Newcastle United vs Leicester City preview: Jamie Vardy hoping to equal Ruud van Nistelrooy's 10-game goal streak

A look ahead to this weekend’s Premier League match at St James’ Park

Jamie Vardy (GETTY IMAGES)

It’s a big game for…

GEORGINIO WIJNALDUM: The attacking midfielder signed from PSV in the summer has been one of the shining lights in an otherwise disappointing campaign for Newcastle. Scoring six goals in the league already, including four in a match against Norwich City, the talented player possesses great technical abilities and captained his side to the Eredivisie title last campaign. With all of his goals coming at home, the Geordie faithful will be right behind their key man once again.

Best stats…

• Newcastle ended up with nine players the last time these two teams faced each other
• The Magpies are unbeaten in their last three home games
• Leicester haven’t kept a clean sheet away from home this season
• Newcastle have attempted the fewest shots this season with 116
• The Foxes have the best shot conversion rate in the league at 14.3%, scoring 25 goals from 175 shots

Remember when…

These two sides met in the 1996/97 season. One of the games of the season was played out at St James Park where Newcastle came from 3-1 behind to win 4-3 in the 93rd minute courtesy of a late hat-trick from Alan Shearer.

Player to watch…

JAMIE VARDY: The in-form striker is a major doubt for the fixture this weekend, but if he is declared fit to play, Newcastle’s defence will be in for a torrid time. After missing both of England’s international fixtures, the 28 year old is looking to score his 13th league goal this season, and create history by equalling Ruud van Nistelrooy’s record of scoring in ten consecutive Premier League games. Steve McClaren will hope for his team’s sake that he isn’t involved in the match.

Past three meetings…

Leicester City 3 (Ulloa 2, Morgan), Newcastle United 0
Barclays Premier League, May 2015

Leicester City 1 (Ulloa), Newcastle United 0
FA Cup, January 2015

Newcastle United 1 (Obertan), Leicester City 0
Barclays Premier League, October 2015

Form guide…

Newcastle United: WDLWLD

Leicester City: WWDWDW

Vital information…

Kick-off time: 15.00pm, Saturday 21 November

TV: Highlights available Saturday night on BBC 1 at 22.20pm