Newcastle United will be eager for three points at the King Power Stadium but also keen to erase painful memories of last season's 4-0 defeat at the same venue.
That day Howe was still finding his feet as United boss but knew the team had to get moving as they were threatened by the drop. This time around United will arrive at the King Power 13 points ahead of the Foxes.
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After Newcastle spent a week in Saudi Arabia and Leicester used their unprecedented winter break to soak up some sun in Abu Dhabi, both teams will be put to the test in the chilly winter conditions on a Premier League occasion and will be a far cry from the Persian Gulf.
City warmed up for the Boxing Day clash with a 3-0 win at MK Dons while Newcastle carved out a 1-0 win and passage to the quarter-finals of the cup in midweek.
Lee Ryder's prediction
The Foxes usually line up with a 4-1-4-1 formation so may take some breaking down in this one. But Newcastle not only go into the game with just one defeat this season but also confidence as they arrive at the venue in the top three. I think Newcastle will pick up a good away win and will go for a 3-1 victory for the Magpies.
Referee
Jarred Gillett (Australia)
Had his hands full the last time he took charge of a Newcastle game as he booked four Spurs players and two Toon stars in a 2-1 win in the capital. Spurs were later charged by the FA for failing to control their players.
Betting
Newcastle are the favourites at 6/5 going into this game with Bet 365. Leicester have odds of 23/10.
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