Prediction: Chelsea to Win 2-0
Odds: 15/2
Bookmaker: Bet365
Newcastle United will be aiming to break their four-match winless run in the Premier League on Saturday as they host top four contenders Chelsea at St James’ Park.
Despite having an impressive season so far under Steve Bruce, the Magpies have struggled in recent weeks and will be aiming to recapture their form. Meanwhile, Frank Lampard’s troops will be hoping to consolidate their position in the Champions League places.
Newcastle United
Despite reaching the lofty heights of ninth with their recent win against Crystal Palace, Newcastle have been slightly inconsistent in the past few weeks. Their only win in their last seven matches is their 4-1 victory against League One outfit Rochdale at St James’ Park. Meanwhile, they most recently held Wolverhampton Wanderers to a draw in the Premier League. Should they fail to earn a victory against Chelsea, it would be the first time in exactly a year that the Magpies have gone five league matches without a victory. Throughout Steve Bruce’s tenure so far, the team have harnessed the atmosphere of St James’ Park to push them to victory but that has been difficult in recent weeks, having lost their last two league matches at home to Everton and Leicester City respectively. One aspect that has seen them struggle this season has been their ability to score goals – only three sides in the top-flight of English football have netted fewer than Newcastle’s 21.
Team News
In fairness to Newcastle, their luck with injuries truly has been horrendous through 2019/20 and only seems to be getting worse. Dwight Gayle, Javi Manquillo, Jack Colback and Paul Dummett are all set to be ruled out. Meanwhile, Fabian Schar, Yoshinori Muto, DeAndre Yedlin, Ki Sung-Yeung and Allan Saint-Maximin are all doubtful for the match against Chelsea. Elsewhere, Joelinton will be aiming to continue his form having netted his first goal in 20 matches last time out against Rochdale.
Chelsea
There were previously slight early doubts creeping in over Frank Lampard having suffered a few shock results at the back end of 2019, however the former midfielder seems to have got the Blues back on track. Having beaten Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, Chelsea then followed that up with a draw against Brighton, as well as a thumping win against Burnley at Stamford Bridge. They also managed to reach the Fourth Round of the FA Cup at the expense of Championship side Nottingham Forest. The team and of course Lampard will hope to continue that form as they aim to secure their position in the Premier League top four for the rest of the season. Currently sitting in fourth, they are five points clear of nearest challengers Manchester United, with a victory this weekend representing a huge chance to put down a marker.
Team News
Chelsea are still missing some key players ahead of the clash. N’Golo Kante is still restricted to the sidelines, whilst Christian Pulisic is still struggling with a groin injury that is likely to keep him out of action until at least the end of January. Ruben Loftus-Cheek is also missing but there is better news regarding Marcos Alonso who could make his return from a thigh injury against Newcastle.
Key Facts To Consider
- Chelsea have the far better head-to-head record between the two (W74, D39, L53)
- The Blues won the reverse match earlier this season 1-0
- Chelsea have only won one of their last six matches against Newcastle at St James’ Park
- Steve Bruce has only ever won two games out of 25 against Chelsea throughout his managerial career
- Chelsea have scored in every Premier League game away from Stamford Bridge so far this season
Conclusion
Whilst Chelsea do not have the best recent record at St James’ Park, there are huge factors counting against the hosts this time around. They have been struggling to find the back of the net and their long injury list really is set to hamper them. Chelsea should earn a comfortable victory at the weekend.
Prediction: Chelsea to Win 2-0
Odds: 15/2
Bookmaker: Bet365
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