Prediction: Chelsea win
Best Odds: 2/9
Bookmaker: 888sport
As millions around the world continue to deal with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, one slice of normality has remained the same – sport. We’re firmly in the February groove and that means we’re going to be experiencing a whole lost of games coming at us thick and fast between now and May, which is especially true in the English Premier League. Today, we’re going to take a look at a fixture between two teams with very different aspirations this season – Chelsea and Newcastle United.
Chelsea
The Thomas Tuchel era has officially begun and with that comes a great deal of intrigue. The former PSG boss is known for wanting to get things done in a certain way and with Chelsea not offering him a particularly long contract, it should be clear that there is no guarantee of this being a long-term arrangement. Either way, though, the early signs have been positives, and that’s all supporters can ask for after the rollercoaster ride that was Frank Lampard’s tenure.
Team News
Werner is an injury doubt after a dead leg kept him out during the week, although many do expect him to feature in some capacity here. Elsewhere, Silva and Havertz are the only other two confirmed injury absences for the visit of Newcastle.
Newcastle
Newcastle United still aren’t positioned as a team who can push into the top half of the table, and given the expectations that currently rest on the shoulders of the club now that they’re back in the top flight, that’s a real problem. Some will choose to blame the manager and others will decide that the players and probably Mike Ashley are at fault, but either way, the status quo needs to change – and it needs to happen sooner rather than later.
Team News
Hendrick is suspended after picking up a red card in the game against Southampton last weekend with the following players still being ruled out through injury for the underdogs – Wilson, Lascelles, Schar, Manquillo and Fernandez, although Clark should be ready to return.
Factors to Consider
- In their last meeting back in November, Chelsea beat Newcastle 2-0.
- Chelsea have won five and drawn one of their last six games.
- Newcastle have won two and lost four of their last six games.
- Chelsea have scored nine goals and conceded two in their last six games.
- Newcastle have scored seven goals and conceded 11 in their last six games.
Because of the unpredictable nature of Newcastle United, we’re actually going to say they’ll give Chelsea a bit of a bloody nose at Stamford Bridge this weekend – even if it probably isn’t going to be enough for them to come away with a positive result. Steve Bruce needs to try and get gritty, hard-fought performances out of the Magpies if he wants to keep his job, and while we do think that could happen here, we’re still backing the Blues to take all three points. Prediction: Chelsea win Best Odds: 2/9 Bookmaker: 888sport
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