Mark Lawrenson backs Brendan Rodgers to get the better of Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez

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Newcastle United will be looking to edge closer to safety when they take on Leicester City in the Premier League on Friday night.

BBC Sport pundit Mark Lawrenson has stated that he expects Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez to lose the battle with Leicester City’s Brendan Rodgers when the two meet on Friday night.

The former Liverpool managers will come head-to-head at the King Power Stadium, with the Foxes hoping to continue their good run and Benitez looking to secure one more win to ensure his side’s safety.

There is no doubt that Newcastle have been at their best when they have played in front of their own supporters, but they will be backing themselves to get a result against a team that is now chasing a top-seven finish.

Former Reds defender Lawrenson expects Leicester to come out on top because of the strong form they are in as he also feels that Benitez’s side have done enough to stay in the division.

“Two former Liverpool managers go head to head here, with Leicester’s Brendan Rodgers up against Newcastle’s Rafael Benitez,” Lawrenson told BBC Sport.

“I have a feeling Rodgers will come out on top, because he has got the Foxes at it – they have won their past four games – and Newcastle’s away form is not the greatest anyway.

“The Magpies have been relying on results at St James’ Park to keep them out of trouble, but I don’t see them getting dragged back into the relegation scrap because one more win will essentially see them safe.”

There is no doubt that the Foxes are favourites for this encounter, but if the North East club are to get anything from this match then their attacking line has to deliver.

Striker Salomon Rondon is one shy of hitting 10 goals for the first time in England’s top-flight, whilst the likes of Miguel Almiron will be looking to prove his worth after a number of quiet displays.

As for the opposition, understandably, the man to watch out for is Jamie Vardy, if Newcastle stop him then it increases their chances of getting some points from this game.