Prediction: Newcastle vs Chelsea

Verdict: Chelsea win & Chelsea to score over 1.5 goals

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Unibet

Looking to extend on their purple patch when returning from November’s international break, Chelsea will make the trip to St. James’ Park on Saturday lunchtime.

Newcastle

Starting with the hosts, last seen heading into the international break with what was a disappointing showing in their 2-0 defeat against Southampton on the South Coast, it has been largely a rollercoaster campaign for Newcastle. Still a side who are really trying to find some stability, the Magpies have now managed to win just one of their last four Premier League contests. Marking their return to action this weekend sat down in 13th and with some still questioning Steve Bruce’s position in the dugout at St. James’ Park, there is no doubt that the one-time Sunderland boss will be hopefully calling on summer arrival Callum Wilson to lead their charge on Saturday lunchtime. Expected to feature after limping off against Southampton earlier in the month, the England international has recorded six goals since making the move from Bournemouth.

Team News

Newcastle will be without the likes of Jonjo Shelvey, Dwight Gayle, Martin Dubravka, Ryan Fraser, Paul Dummett and Matt Ritchie this weekend.

Chelsea

As for the visitors, entering the international break with what was a thumping display at home against a struggling Sheffield United, Chelsea managed to land a 4-1 win on home soil and the mood in their camp should be at a real high. While Frank Lampard’s new-look squad might have struggled to find their feet when opening the 2020/2021 campaign, the Blues return to action this weekend enjoying a very impressive four-match winning run across all competitions. Continuing to impress while on Champions League duties and appearing to be cruising towards the knockout stage, the former England midfielder has also seen his side not taste a top-flight defeat since September 20th. Showing a string of improvements at the back since Eduard Mendy arrived in the capital over the summer, Chelsea should be confident of extending on their purple patch this weekend.

Team News

After recovering from coronavirus, midfielder Kai Havertz has resumed training and should feature from Chelsea’s bench this weekend.

However, the Blues look set to be without Thiago Silva who returned late from international duties with Brazil.

Key Factors to Consider

• Chelsea have won each of their last four straight matchups across all formats.
• The Magpies have managed to win just one of their last four Premier League contests.
• The Blues have recorded seven strikes in back-to-back matchups away from Stamford Bridge.
• Saturday’s hosts have failed to record a clean sheet in their last seven matchups across all competitions.
• Each of Newcastle’s last four Premier League matchups at St. James’ Park have finished with over 2.5 goals.

Conclusion

Enjoying what was an eye-catching run of form heading into the international break, Chelsea will be confident of extending on their free-scoring purple patch this weekend. Last seen picking up a 4-1 romp against Sheffield United in West London, Frank Lampard’s side find themselves enjoying a four-match winning run and should prove a stern test for an inconsistent Newcastle outfit. Winning just one of their last four Premier League contests and without a clean sheet to their name since September 23rd, we’re backing another fruitful afternoon on the road for Saturday’s guests.

Verdict: Chelsea win & Chelsea to score over 1.5 goals

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Unibet