Prediction: Chelsea vs Newcastle

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Luckster

Two sides who are looking to punch an EFL Cup semi-final ticket on Tuesday night, Chelsea will welcome Newcastle to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea

Starting with the hosts, managing to claim what was a much-needed boost last weekend as they secured a 2-0 victory against relegation scrappers Sheffield United, Chelsea are desperately seeking some stability. Needing a major miracle in their bid to book any kind of European return this season, Mauricio Pochettino has a real job on his hands at Stamford Bridge. With just a pair of victories to their name from any of their previous six domestic appearances, the former Tottenham boss has also not seen his squad muster back-to-back wins since returning from November’s international break. However, despite facing what could be another stern challenge here, Chelsea will take some solace from their recent success in SW6. Along with extending on their EFL Cup adventure thanks to a 2-0 victory against Championship outfit Blackburn on November 1st, Pochettino’s men have also collected seven points from their last three Premier League matchups in west London.

Team News

Not expected to feature again until March after sustaining another long-term hamstring injury, Chelsea will once again be without England international Reece James. Likewise, the Blues will also be unable to call upon the likes of Robert Sanchez, Marc Cucurella, Ben Chilwell and Wesley Fofana.

Forced to settle for a spot on the bench against Sheffield United over the weekend, Enzo Fernandez should make a full return on Tuesday night. Albania international Armando Broja should be handed the chance to spearhead Pochettino’s attack at Stamford Bridge.

Newcastle

As for the visitors, making a crucial return to winning ways over the weekend thanks to a 3-0 romp against Fulham, Newcastle will be desperate to use that performance as a platform to build on. However, suffering Champions League heartbreak last week as they suffered a 2-1 loss at home against Italian heavyweights AC Milan, Eddie Howe’s side are seeking some recent stability. Failing to collect back-to-back victories since returning from November’s international break, the former Bournemouth boss will be calling on his squad to make a major domestic statement in west London. Despite being tipped as a real underdog contender on Tuesday night, Newcastle will be excited by their most recent meeting against Chelsea. Storming their way to a stellar 4-1 romp when they welcomed the Blues to St. James’ Park for a Premier League showdown back on November 25th, Howe’s men will be desperately seeking a repeat performance here.

Team News

Missing out against Fulham over the weekend, Newcastle are once again sweating over the fitness of attacking talisman Alexander Isak here. Likewise, both limping off at St. James’ Park a few days ago, the duo of Joelinton and Fabian Schar have joined Howe’s mounting injury list.

However, after serving a domestic suspension on Saturday afternoon, England international Kieran Trippier is free to make a full return at Stamford Bridge. While Callum Wilson might have failed to find the net in any of his previous three appearances since returning earlier in the month, the 31-year-old should spearhead Newcastle’s charge in midweek.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Chelsea and Newcastle last met back on November 25th, the Magpies stormed their way to a 4-1 romp at St. James’ Park.
• However, Howe’s men have failed to muster back-to-back victories since returning from November’s international break.
• Chelsea have won just a pair of their previous six appearances across all competitions.
• Newcastle have collected just a single point from any of their previous five showdowns away from St. James’ Park.
• Each of the last three meetings between Tuesday’s opponents have finished with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

Two sides who made their own respective return to winning ways over the weekend, neutrals could be treated to an enjoyable EFL Cup showdown here. While Newcastle might have stormed their way to a stunning 4-1 romp when they welcomed Chelsea to St. James’ Park back on November 25th, Howe’s side have continued to show some rather glaring issues on the road. With just a single point on their travels since the start of November, Tuesday’s opponents do have a habit of producing fireworks. With each of their previous three meetings finishing with both teams getting on the scoresheet, we are expecting a similar outcome in west London.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Luckster