Leicester City is hoping Rafa Benitez has arrived at Newcastle United too late to disrupt its dream season.
Benitez will lead Newcastle into battle for the first time as manager Monday when it faces Leicester City at King Power Stadium. The hosts can extend their lead atop to the Premier League standings to five points and push the visitors closer to relegation with a win.
Riyad Mahrez is expected to play for Leicester City, having shaken off a hamstring problem that hobbled him last week. He could doom Newcastle by adding to the 15 goals and 11 assists he has registered so far this season.
Benitez, whom Newcastle hired Friday, inherits a team which has lost 17 of its last 21 Premier League games. The Spanish tactician will work to organize and galvanize the Magpies, but two days of practice might not be enough for the new-manager effect to take root.
When: Monday, March 14 at 4 p.m. ET
Live Stream: NBC Sports Live Extra
Thumbnail photo via Clint Hughes/Associated Press
