Prediction: Chelsea vs Newcastle United

Verdict: Chelsea to win to nil

Best Odds:5/6

Bookmaker: Bet 365

Chelsea will be hoping to continue their great form on Saturday afternoon when they entertain a Newcastle United team desperate to end their winless streak.

Chelsea

After an inconsistent start to their defence of the Premier League, Chelsea are currently embarking on an impressive run of form and haven’t lost a game since October. That said, the Blues still trail Manchester City by 11 points after 14 games and it would take a complete catastrophe for Pep Guardiola’s men to blow their lead now. The 1-0 victory over Swansea in midweek meant they are now up to third in the table but they do have a very favourable fixture list over the coming festive period. Their next six games come against teams from the bottom half of the table and it wouldn’t be too optimistic for Antonio Conte to be targeting maximum points from this schedule. The Italian seems to have drilled last year’s confidence and ability into his defence, and it’s now four clean sheets they have kept in their last five matches. Chelsea will believe they can beat a Newcastle team in a bad run of form and at least cut the gap for 24 hours at least before City play West Ham on Sunday.

Team News

Cesar Azpilicueta and Eden Hazard look set to start after being rested against Swansea City.

However, David Luiz could be out for a while after Conte confirmed the player has fluid on his knee.

Newcastle United

After a decent start to the Premier League campaign, Newcastle United are suffering a dreadful run of form that has seen them come away with only one draw in their last five matches. They did manage a 2-2 draw away at West Bromwich Albion midweek but manager Rafa Benitez will be looking nervously over his shoulder with the Magpies five points above the relegation zone. Unrest surrounding the club regarding the potential takeover has no doubt had an effect on the whole squad and Newcastle’s away form won’t have many people believing they can snatch anything at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Five points from a possible 18 on the road isn’t good enough and their abysmal goal scoring record doesn’t bode well with Chelsea’s improving defence.  Benitez has been lacking a proper striker in the league this season with Joselu and Dwight Gayle failing to cut the mustard, and nobody else within the team willing to chip in. It could be a long trip back home for the travelling contingent.

Team News

Jamaal Lascelles is likely to miss the match again while Christian Atsu and Paul Dummett are also ruled out.

Key Factors to Consider

• Chelsea have won 15 of their 22 matches against Newcastle at Stamford Bridge (W15 D6 L1)
• The Magpies have only tasted victory once in their last 18 Premier League away games (W1 D4 L13)
• Rafa Benitez has lost 12 competitive matches against Chelsea while being in charge of English clubs (W7 D7 L12)
• If Newcastle lose, it will be their 70^th Premier League defeat in London – the joint-most of any away side in the competition (level with Everton)
• Chelsea have dropped eight points already this season – last campaign’s title winning year saw them drop just six points in total.

Conclusion

Chelsea will be very confident of beating Newcastle on Saturday. They’re in the middle of a great run of form and when you combine that with the Magpies terrible results lately, you can only see one winner.

Verdict: Chelsea to win to nil

Best Odds: 5/6

Bookmaker: Bet 365