Newcastle Changes Likely For Pearson

The busy Christmas period has seen the Foxes’ squad tested to their maximum, with four games in eight days, most recently a at Anfield on New Year’s Day.
While long-term absentees Kasper Schmeichel (foot) and Zoumana Bakayogo (knee) remain out of action, Pearson could be missing another midfielder for the clash with the Magpies.
Dean Hammond was withdrawn just after the hour mark with a calf issue while Danny Drinkwater had to come off in the first-half against Brendan Rodgers’ men with a groin injury.
“It’s a groin problem [for Danny Drinkwater],” said Pearson. “We don’t know the severity at the moment which is a shame because he started the game very well in that position in behind Jamie Vardy.
“Dean Hammond’s calf was tightening up so it shows we were able to change things around. I’m just really pleased with how the players dealt with the whole situation.”
Pearson knows the value of one of the most prestigious cup competitions in football having reached the final as captain of Middlesbrough in 1997, only to lose 2-0 to Chelsea at the old Wembley stadium.
The FA Cup fixture comes just two days after the trip to Anfield, and with Premier League survival top priority, the City boss admits he has no choice but to change his starting XI against Newcastle.
He added: “I have no qualms in saying the Premier League is the most important thing but I think it would be great to get another win. It’s come quickly so inevitably there’s going to be some changes – it’s going to test our ability to recover and put in another very good performance.
“Over the festive period, the three games that we’ve had, we’ve not got the points that we deserve, but I’ve been pleased about how we’ve gone about it.
“It’s going to be important that we deal with them (Newcastle) as it is in any game. I don’t know whether they’ll make changes – they’ve got a number of players going to the Africa Cup of Nations as well.
“It could be a real mixed bag in terms of how they select their side but what we’ve got to do is try and win the game.”
Tickets for the game are now on General Sale and start at just £13 for Adults. To secure your seat, visit the City Fanstore at King Power Stadium or call the Sales Centre on 0344 815 5000 (option 1). Alternatively, visit . For further ticket information on the clash, click .