Rodgers: Play With Speed & Quality

- Brendan Rodgers previews Leicester City's fixture at Newcastle United on New Year's Day (3pm kick-off)
- The Northern Irishman says the Foxes will need to 'play at speed' at St. James' Park
- With the January transfer window due to open on Wednesday, Rodgers also discusses possible signings
- Live coverage of the encounter with Newcastle will be available from 12pm on Wednesday for free

Second-placed City travel to St. James' Park to tackle the Magpies on New Year's Day after ending 2019 with a 2-1 success over West Ham United at London Stadium on Saturday.

Earlier in the 2019/20 season, the Foxes defeated Newcastle on penalties in the second round of the Carabao Cup, while also enjoying a 5-0 triumph over Steve Bruce's men in the Premier League.

However, Rodgers believes playing away in the North East adds a different variable to the challenge and says Leicester are expecting a tough test from the 11th-placed outfit.

"We obviously played very well against them earlier on in the season, but going to St. James’ Park is tough," the Northern Irishman told the national media.

"Their style and how the team plays is pretty much set. We’re going to have to be patient in the game, but play at speed, they’ll be in a deep block, not too far away from the box.

"We have to work the ball at speed and quality to work the opportunities. Again, there’s not an easy game in the Premier League.

"You have me at your maximum to get the results, but we go there with great confidence and hopefully we can get three points."

With the January transfer window about to open, meanwhile, Rodgers also revealed the Club will look to recruit, but is happy to continue with his squad if no deals are viable. 

"Every manager would say the earlier you can do it the better, but it’s not my ultimate thinking, my thinking is just focusing on the players I have," he continued.

"Trying to improve them and make them better is the aim and then, if we get any players in during January, great, but if we don’t then we’ve seen at West Ham the depth we have."