Prediction: Chelsea vs Newcastle

Prediction: Chelsea win

Best Odds: 3/10

Bookmaker: 888sport

The Premier League returns once again this weekend as we continue on through March’s slate of fixtures. There are just a few months remaining in the season and while it may seem obvious to see how things are going to go at both ends of the table, it’s rarely easy to tell until we get into the final eight-game stretch. With that in mind, it’s time to take a look at what should be a fascinating encounter between Chelsea and Newcastle United.

Chelsea

Chelsea Football Club has been hit hard by mammoth sanctions placed on owner Roman Abramovich in the last few days, with many wondering what it means for the future of the Blues. For the time being all they can really do is focus on their own game, and when you take a look at their recent form, it suggests they should have more than enough to put in a good shift over the weekend.

Team News

Chilwell and James have both been ruled out with the following players being listed as doubtful: Hudson-Odoi, Azpilicueta, Alonso and Pulisic.

Newcastle

Newcastle United supporters have years of success to look forward to – or so we assume – as a result of their Saudi-backed takeover. It’s worth noting that there’s a lot that needs to be discussed from a moral perspective about what it means for the club, but on the pitch, they’re starting to look like a really solid team. With Eddie Howe at the helm and summer on the horizon, this is a side on the rise.

Team News

There are some big injury worries for Newcastle to deal with as Fernandez, Wilson, Trippier, Clark, Haden and Lewis are all out. Elsewhere, Howe will monitor the fitness of Joelinton, Guimaraes and Krafth before kick-off.

Factors to Consider

• Chelsea are 3rd in the Premier League whereas Newcastle are 14th.
• Chelsea have won five and drawn one of their last six games.
• Newcastle have won five and drawn one of their last six games.
• Chelsea have scored 13 goals and conceded three in their last six games.
• Newcastle have scored 11 goals and conceded four in their last six games.

Conclusion

If this game was taking place in Tyneside in front of the black and white faithful, we could definitely picture a scenario in which the Magpies take something from the fixture. Alas, with Chelsea having the depth and resilience in their squad – alongside a defiant Stamford Bridge – we’re expecting them to creep by Newcastle with a rather uninspiring 1-0 win on Sunday afternoon.

Prediction: Chelsea win

Best Odds: 3/10

Bookmaker: 888sport