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John Gibson

Newcastle United will hope to capitalise on Leicester City's so called European fatigue

There is a price to pay for most things in life and Newcastle will learn that as their development under ambitious owners progresses towards eventual success.

Perhaps Leicester are to pay that sort of price when they visit the Toon's place of worship on Sunday. If a club qualifies for the minor stepping stones of European competition - the Europa Conference League in Leicester's case - then they must play on the Thursday, often travelling away, before coming back to travel again at the weekend.

Meanwhile United have relaxed and rested tired bones for a week since their morale boosting return to the winner's enclosure against Wolves last Friday.

READ MORE: 'Embrace it', Eddie Howe lays down Newcastle United challenge in last seven games

At least that is the theory. The modern way of thinking. However I hesitate to subscribe to it. The problem of squeezing in European jaunts can be as much mental as physical. Provide an excuse and some players will readily accept it.

When United won their one and only Euro trophy in season 1968-69 I travelled with them home and away. Joe Harvey's heroes played 12 ties criss-crossing the continent over a long season of rigid Wednesday and Saturday endeavour and there was no spreading the load back then.

Joe picked what he considered his best team every match and that included the FA Cup and League Cup as well that season when the league alone covered 42 matches not today's 38.

Pop Robson for example played in every single competitive match that year _ all 42 First Division games to top score with 21 goals, all 12 in Europe for six goals, all three in the FA Cup with one strike, and another two in the League Cup for two goals.

That adds up to 59 matches on the bounce and 30 goals. A ratio of one every two games which is incredible. Played too on pitches with either squelching mud or uneven rutted surface and when relief was not readily at hand during matches. Only one sub could be named and used compared to the five again allowed on the pitch from next season.

Tommy Gibb started only one game less than Pop over the whole stretch from August 10 to June 11 when the second leg of the Fairs Cup final was completed in Budapest. It equated to 58 in total and without a breather. The one match he missed was United's very first of the season.

Anyway that was then and this is now. Let us hope Leicester feel a tad tired poor mites. We will take any advantage we can after the last 14 years. And after United's visit to the King Power back in December, only a week following the relief of their first win of the season against Burnley.

City were without Jamie Vardy then as now and lost influential defender Jonny Evans as early as the sixth minute but cruised to a 4-0 victory through a second-half acceleration of goals that produced an uncomfortable scoreline for the Mags.

Can United keep out the goals this time? And score themselves? Spurs apart, the answer to the first is yes they can restrict them to a minimum and the reply to the second is hopefully. There is no Pop Robson these days so who steps up in a barren landscape

Anyone fancy it? ASM, Chris Wood again maybe from open play this time, or Joe Willock at some stage when he comes on during the 90 minutes if he can rustle up last season's memories.

Maybe it will be the Duracell Bunny that is Miggy or Bedazzling Bruno of the audacious back flick winner at Southampton. Goal of the Month, much more, Goal of the Season unquestionably, Goal of the 21st Century probably. Mind you, a scruffy winner off the backside or even an own goal will do for me!

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