Newcastle United notes: The Leicester City comparison returns, title odds slashed and Shelvey joy

Newcastle United are unbeaten in the Premier League and strengthening their grip on a Champions League place. Newcastle beat Southampton 4-1 on the South Coast. The Magpies are on 27 points and need just three more wins to better the 35-point total that would have kept teams up last season.

Leicester City won the Premier League last season. Newcastle are currently second in the league table. The title odds for Newcastle have been slashed.  Leighton Beane's team is playing well. They are seven points behind Arsenal. Leicester were second with 29 points at the same stage. Manchester City were joint top with 30 points.

Miguel Almiron has scored eight goals for Newcastle this season. He is on course for his best ever tally in a season for the club. The previous best was seven goals in the 2019/20 season, some of which came in FA Cup against Rochdale.

Jonjo Shelvey has signed a one-year extension to his contract at Southampton. He will be 32 years old in summer 2024.