Newcastle United

Image source, Getty Images

Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes to BBC Match of the Day after today's win: "I think we stepped up in this game. It was a massive win. The team played well, especially in the second half.

"I am very happy to score again. I have been trying for a long, long time, but I wasn't lucky. But very happy for today and we need to keep going. We have a massive game on Wednesday.

"Our message in the changing room during half-time was to try to score the second goal as quick as possible for the confidence, I think we deserved to win the game and played much better than against Brentford.

"We need to step up in all games and not just against the big six. Today was a big proof that this team can do big things together."

Image source, Getty Images

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, has been speaking to BBC Match of the Day after today's victory: "It was a good performance today. The first goal was important. It took a well-worked set play to set the ball rolling, and the second goal was important too so we were able to express ourselves a little bit more.

"We're disappointed we haven't been able to show that more this season. Today was one of our better performances."

On Jacob Murphy's double: "It was great to see him in those positions. He's such a well-liked character. We're really happy with his contribution."

On Bruno Guimaraes' goal: "He'll be pleased. He played slightly further forward today. We're pleased with how he's performing."

Matthew Howarth
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Newcastle have been here before this season.

After back-to-back wins over Arsenal and Nottingham Forest in early November, it looked like Eddie Howe's side had turned the corner after an inconsistent start to the campaign.

But further poor displays followed as the Magpies collected only two points from their subsequent four fixtures, making Saturday's match at home to Leicester a defining one.

It proved to be a near-perfect afternoon for the home supporters as Howe's team dismantled the Foxes to inflict a first defeat on the visitors' new manager Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Anthony Gordon was particularly lively early on, going close to an opener himself before setting up Jacob Murphy for the opener.

Further first-half chances followed, but any faint hopes Leicester may have had of turning the tide were ended by goals from Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes early in the second half.

Another fine Murphy finish put the icing on the cake for the Magpies, who can now focus their attention on Wednesday's Carabao Cup quarter-final against Brentford at St James' Park.

Image source, Getty Images

Newcastle United recorded their largest win against Leicester City in the top flight of English football since 1909 (also 4-0) and have now kept clean sheets in each of their last three league fixtures against the Foxes, their joint-longest such run.

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

Have your say on Newcastle’s performance

What did you make of Leicester’s display?

Come back to this page on Monday to find a selection of your replies

Read report and follow reaction

There are five games in the Premier League on Saturday and we will bring you all the key moments.

• Arsenal v Everton

• Liverpool v Fulham - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Newcastle v Leicester

• Wolves v Ipswich

• Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

All kick-off times 15:00 GMT unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

Image source, Getty Images

Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League games this season, against a variety of guests.

For week 16 he takes on darts star Stephen Bunting, who is a Liverpool fan.

Bunting, who is ranked eighth in the Professional Darts Championship (PDC) order of merit, takes on Alan Soutar or Kai Gotthardt in the second round of the PDC World Championship, which starts at London's Alexandra Palace on Sunday.

Sutton's prediction: 3-0

I did not like the way Leicester treated Steve Cooper but they have definitely had a bounce since appointing Ruud van Nistelrooy, who has made the start he desired.

It is fair to say that Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has not had the season he wanted so far, but any team who can beat Arsenal and draw with Liverpool must have something about them.

Howe's side have been consistently inconsistent, but they are not far off becoming the team he wants them to be.

I am expecting them to click here, and I actually think this will be quite straightforward for them.

Bunting's prediction: 2-1

I am going with Newcastle, but it's going to be close. 2-1.

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Image source, Getty Images

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe says 21-year-old striker William Osula is ready to "step up", after Callum Wilson's latest injury is set to rule him out for about eight weeks.

Howe expressed his sympathies for Newcastle's number nine before Saturday's Premier League match against Leicester City. Waiting in the wings, however, is young striker Osula, who signed for the Magpies from Sheffield United in the summer.

"Callum's injury is a blow in terms of our strength in depth," explained Howe. "Alex [Isak] is fit and scoring goals and we are doing a lot of work with Will [Osula] behind the scenes.

"I have no hesitation in playing him as well."

Osula's appearances have been sporadic so far, but Howe is backing the Denmark international to contribute in Wilson's absence, citing his physicality as a key asset.

"I think it is a huge jump for him, in every way," said Howe. "I have been really, really impressed by him. His attitude to learning is top and he works with a variety of coaches after training to improve.

"You don't suddenly land and adjust and become a Premier League striker [but] he is readier than he has ever been and now with Callum out, he has to step up. He is big, quick and strong and there is just that refinement.

"The only thing that can bring that is time."

Joe Nelson
BBC Sport journalist

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game at home to Leicester City (kick-off 15:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Howe expressed his sympathy for Callum Wilson's "pain", after the forward's latest injury setback: "I really feel for Callum because we see the work and dedication he has shown - not just in the recovery from this injury but throughout his career really. He is an inspirational player. He has taken himself away from family for a long period of time to get back to his best. When you go to that level of dedication and see him not get the end result this time, I feel really sad for him. I back him to come back again. We know his quality and we want to see him in a Newcastle shirt again and scoring goals."

• Meanwhile, Nick Pope is a doubt for the Leicester game and Joe Willock is yet to train this week: "Nick has carried a new injury this week. Initially we thought it was nothing and he is seeking specialist opinion today. We hope he is available for tomorrow. Joe Willock we haven't seen train yet. Lewis Miley has come through some games on his road to recovery so I am happy with him."

• Also, despite returning to training, Sven Botman will not play for the first tea until the end of the month: "He has been training for a while. He has been training for around four weeks. That was the plan. We try and follow the right protocols to make sure he doesn't get injured again. The plan is late December or very early January when he might be available."

• After the 4-2 defeat at Brentford, Howe has sought to address the basics: "The fundamentals of our performance against Brentford weren't right. When you concede four, there are issues. It was not cohesive defending. The last two games we have conceded seven goals. We have worked on it and hopefully that will show."

• Howe said he relishes the expectations at Newcastle: "You can never escape pressure. It is always there at a club of this size. I surround myself with my work and the focus of the work might change but the ethic and standards I demand of myself does not change. We are always in the pursuit of improvement, regardless of results. You are aware of what people may be saying but I don't absorb any of it. I take criticism and you know it is part of the job. I encourage it because if it keeps it away from the players, that is crucial."

• He recognised the new threat Ruud van Nistelrooy's Leicester side will pose: "It brings a couple of new challenges. He has made some tweaks and changed how he wants them to play. We are ready for that and we respect them and respect Ruud. We know the importance of this game and after the last result we need a reaction."

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Newcastle United are monitoring Monaco's 22-year-old French winger Maghnes Akliouche. (i Paper), external

Want more transfer news? Read Friday's full gossip column

Image source, Getty Images

I was surprised when I heard Alan Shearer's comments about Newcastle's attitude because from the outside I wouldn't say they have an issue with that.

For me, their problems stem from their defensive inconsistency. In recent seasons they have had a really settled back five and now they don't, so they are conceding more goals than we are used to seeing.

The rest of the team has remained pretty much the same, so the lack of experience and leadership in the back line must be playing a part. Kieran Trippier is no longer playing, Sven Botman remains a huge miss and Tino Livramento - who is one for the future - and Lewis Hall are both in their early 20s.

I wouldn't question their attitude. Their foundation as a club and as individuals is hard work. The team are very together and they showed they have fight in the 3-3 draw with Liverpool.

Newcastle lack squad depth and the core of their players are in their third season of consistent game time. That in itself is difficult and causes burnout.

We saw that from Newcastle last season when they tried to compete in the Champions League with a small squad. But they wouldn't have even qualified for that competition if they didn't have the correct attitude.

Individuals don't lose their hard-working attitude. It is more likely to be mental burn-out and fatigue, in addition to their inconsistent defence, that is troubling them this season.

Fara Williams was speaking to BBC Sport's Katie Stafford

Image source, Getty Images

Callum Wilson has posted on his official Instagram account, external that he will be doing everything in his power to rediscover the best version of himself and "finally get off this emotional rollercoaster" after saying he will need to take a step back in his return from injury.

The striker who has played 66 minutes across four Premier League games all season, has been appearing from the bench in recent weeks having overcome injury.

But on Instagram he revealed a setback and said: "Despite all the hard work I've put in pushing to get back to full fitness, I need to take a little step backwards unfortunately, guys.

"Frustrating as it is for everyone out there waiting for my return and to be able to help the team, these shortcomings also upset and frustrate me more than anybody else.

"I will, and I am doing everything in my power to rediscover the best version of myself and finally get off this emotional rollercoaster, which I'm hoping 2025 will bring.

"Appreciate the patience, love and support from all those closest that know how hard I really work and how professional I always am."

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Sandro Tonali's agent Giuseppe Riso has denied reports in Italy suggesting the midfielder wants to return to Serie A.

The Italy international, 24, joined Newcastle in a £58m deal from AC Milan but his positive start was disrupted by a 10-month ban for gambling offences.

Since returning in late August, Tonali has slowly begun re-establishing himself at St James' Park but has found himself in and out of the team.

It has led to reports from Italy suggesting he could leave Newcastle in the coming January transfer window.

But a statement from his agency released to BBC Sport denies those claims.

It reads: "Sandro is not considering a return to Serie A. He's happy at Newcastle, happy to play in the best league in the world and is an idol for Newcastle fans who've always supported him."

Image source, Getty Images

Speaking on the latest episode of Total Sport Newcastle United podcast North East football journalist Craig Hope explained why Eddie Howe is the best manager available for Newcastle.

"I honestly believe that Newcastle have the best manager for them. Yes he needs to perform better now, but I would not be jumping to any hasty conclusions in terms of his future. He has got to be given the chance to turn it around," said Hope.

After holding league leaders Liverpool to a draw at St James' Park, the Magpies fell to a 4-2 defeat at mid-table Brentford on Saturday in a continuation of their inconsistent form so far this season.

Hope believes that the side may have gone stale after the club failed to adequately recruit in recent transfer windows.

"We have explored this previously, the notion of the team going stale. Before turning on the manager or anyone else by extension I think we should look at that," said Hope.

Hope added: "This group of players and the manager have gone for so long now doing the same thing. That muscle memory that was once their strength, is now starting to get tired. What they need is a fresh face in January to re-energise them, to inject some enthusiasm, to inject some excitement. "

Newcastle welcome a resurgent Leicester City to St James' Park on Saturday, a side who are unbeaten in two games since the arrival of manager Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Newcastle United's Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali is open to returning to Serie A, but a move in January would probably have to be on loan because of the 24-year-old's salary. (Gazzetta dello Sport - in Italian), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

On the latest episode of the Total Sport Newcastle United Podcast, host Raul Kohli is joined by journalist Craig Hope to discuss his experiences breaking major news stories, playing at St James' Park and being a ghostwriter for Mark Clattenburg's autobiography.

The team also chat about manager Eddie Howe's impact at the club and his team selections.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Newcastle United are tracking PSV Eindhoven's Belgium winger Johan Bakayoko, 21, before the January transfer window. (Telegraph - subscription required), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column