Prediction: Chelsea vs Newcastle

Verdict: Newcastle double chance

Best Odds: 10/11

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Looking to make a statement at Stamford Bridge on Monday night, Newcastle will make the trip to Chelsea.

Chelsea

Starting with the hosts, while Chelsea might have appointed Mauricio Pochettino last summer, the Blues find themselves in the midst of another domestic struggle. Last seen eventually having to settle for a 2-2 stalemate away at west London rivals Brentford, the former Tottenham boss appears to have plenty of scrutiny over his long-term future at Stamford Bridge. Although the former Premier League champions might have extended on their FA Cup adventure on February 29th as they secured a 3-2 victory against Championship high-flyers Leeds, Chelsea have recorded just a single victory from any of their previous eight meetings against top-flight opposition. Almost finding themselves sat in Premier League limbo and seeking a miracle in their bid to book some kind of European return in 2024, Pochettino has also seen his squad gain a reputation for their extended defensive issues.

Team News

Still dealing with a long-term thigh injury and not making a single appearance since back on December 10th, Chelsea will once again be without England international Reece James on Monday night. Likewise, the Blues have confirmed that French international Christopher Nkunku faces another stint on the sidelines with a hamstring issue.

While Robert Sanchez might have returned from his own respective injury issue last month, Serbian international Djordje Petrovic should keep his spot between the sticks at Stamford Bridge. Notching an eighth Premier League strike of the season away at Brentford last week, Senegal international Nicolas Jackson will spearhead Chelsea’s attack.

Newcastle

As for the visitors, while Newcastle might have opened the New Year at the heart of a real struggle, Eddie Howe’s side have come roaring back in an eye-catching fashion. Last seen putting in a rampant performance at St. James’ Park as they stormed their way to a 3-0 romp against Wolves, the former Bournemouth boss will be desperate to make another statement here. Extending on their FA Cup adventure on February 27th as they edged their way past Championship outfit Blackburn, the Magpies have lost just one of their previous eight appearances across all competitions. Smelling a potential opportunity in west London, Newcastle will also be excited by their recent success on the road. Including a stellar 3-1 victory away at Aston Villa on January 30th, Howe’s men have won five of their last six showdowns away from St. James’ Park.

Team News

Dealing with a long-term thigh injury, Brazil international Joelinton will not travel to Stamford Bridge on Monday night. Likewise, also dealing with their own respective injury issues, Matt Targett and former Burnley goalkeeper Nike Pope will not feature in west London.

Finding the net against Wolves last week and bagging a first Premier League strike since January 13th, ex-Real Sociedad striker Alexander Isak will spearhead Howe’s charge here. Making a welcomed return at St. James’ Park last week, Dutch international Sven Botman will once again parter Fabian Schar at the heart of Newcastle’s defence.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Chelsea and Newcastle last met back on December 19th while in EFL Cup action, the Blues collected a penalties victory at Stamford Bridge.
• However, Chelsea have recorded just a single clean sheet from any of their previous eight meetings against top-flight opposition.
• Newcastle have won five of their previous six showdowns away from St. James’ Park.
• Chelsea have recorded just a single Premier League clean sheet since back on December 16th.
• All of the last four meetings between Monday’s opponents have finished with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

While Newcastle might have suffered EFL Cup heartbreak when they travelled to Stamford Bridge back on December 19th, the Magpies could be smelling the chance to make a real statement here. With Chelsea mustering just a single victory from any of their previous eight meetings against Premier League opposition, Howe’s men will be excited by their continued success on the road. Winning five of their previous six showdowns away from St. James’ Park, we are backing an away double chance on Monday night.

Verdict: Newcastle double chance

Best Odds: 10/11

Bookmaker: Olympusbet