BBC Radio 5 live

A reminder that you can listen to commentary of this match from ex-Wales striker John Hartson, alongside Alistair Bruce-Ball, over on BBC Radio 5 live.

You can also tune in by clicking the tab at the top of this page. Handy.

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Here come the players.

The sell-out crowd at St James' Park roar, waving flags in honour of Newcastle's 125th anniversary.

Tremendous atmosphere - can it inspire the hosts?

Image source, Getty Images

At the other end of the form table, Leicester have lost just one of their last five games and are looking for a third consecutive win.

The Foxes have also earned 14 points from seven league games since Craig Shakespeare was sacked.

Watch out for Jamie Vardy. The England striker needs just one goal to reach 50 in the Premier League.

The flag-waving has actually started before the players have emerged at St James' Park.

The faces of club legends like Bobby Robson, Peter Beardsley and Kevin Keegan adorn many of the impressive creations.

As does the face of Rafael Benitez. The Spaniard will be deserving of his place if he can keep them up this season and lead them into a new era.

Image source, BBC Sport

Gary Flintoff
BBC Radio 5 live at St James' Park

Newcastle have planned a display of black and white flags right around the stadium for when the teams come out to celebrate their 125th anniversary.

Rafael Benitez has referred to it in his programme notes. He says: “We must be sure that we use all that positivity around the stadium and city to support the players and give us the best chance of getting three points.”

Mark Lawrenson
Former Liverpool defender

I just fancy Newcastle to edge this one. Rafael Benitez is usually very good at negating the opposition's main strength. His side need a win, and I think they will get one.

Prediction: 2-1

Lawro's full predictions v Pointless co-presenter Richard Osman

Yes, that Newcastle slump. The hosts are winless in their last six matches, having taken just one point in that run.

It leaves them just two points above the relegation zone, following West Ham's shock 1-0 win over Chelsea earlier this afternoon.

The Magpies have also lost their last two games at St James' Park - to Bournemouth and Watford - and failed to score in both defeats.

Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez has not lost three successive home matches in his storied Premier League career.

Alistair Mann
MOTD commentator

Image source, Getty Images

Rafa Benitez made no secret about his concerns regarding the depth of his squad when the transfer window closed in August. After an encouraging start, a run of one point from the last six games has demonstrated the wisdom of his assessment.

The Magpies have six more matches before reinforcements will be possible.

Improving Leicester provide the latest challenge off the back of a run of just one defeat in nine. Unbeaten away from home since August, they'll arrive full of confidence.

Benitez has always had the knack of getting the best out of his players, and he'll need all his assets to halt the 2016 champions' impressive rise up the table.

So from one Alistair on radio commentary duties to another at the game for Match of the Day - here are some thoughts from Alistair Mann...

BBC Radio 5 live

You can listen to full match commentary of Newcastle v Leicester - Ali Bruce-Ball and former Wales striker John Hartson will be talking you through it on BBC Radio 5 live.

Don't forget you can tune in using the links at the top of this page.

And from 19:30 GMT football phone-in 6-0-6 will be on. It's Jason Mohammad and ex-Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson in the studio.

Image source, BBC Sport

Captain Jamaal Lascelles returns to the Newcastle squad after five weeks out with an ankle injury - but he is only on the bench.

There are three changes from the Magpies side that lost 3-1 at Chelsea last Saturday.

DeAndre Yedlin replaces Chancel Mbemba in defence, Isaac Hayden takes Mohamed Diame's place in midfield, whil Joselu comes in for Ayoze Perez up front.

Newcastle XI: Darlow, Yedlin, Lejeune, Clark, Manquillo, Hayden, Merino, Ritchie, Murphy, Joselu, Gayle.

Subs: Elliot, Lascelles, Shelvey, Diame, Perez, Atsu, Mitrovic

Image source, BBC Sport

Leicester name an unchanged side - it's the same XI who started their 1-0 victory over Burnley last weekend.

Leicester XI: Schmeichel, Simpson, Morgan, Maguire, Chilwell, Mahrez, Ndidi, Iborra, Albrighton, Gray, Vardy.

Subs: Iheanacho, King, Hamer, Dragovic, Okazaki, Ulloa, Fuchs.

Intriguing day in the Premier League so far - can this game continue the trend?

Newcastle are in a slump after a solid start, while Leicester look enlivened under Claude Puel.

More on that in a bit. First, some team news...