Prediction: Newcastle vs Chelsea

Prediction: Chelsea win

Best Odds: 1/3

Bookmaker: 888sport

The Premier League returns to our screens once again this weekend for the penultimate round of fixtures before the final international break of the year. It’ll serve as the last two-week stop in the season prior to an utterly insane schedule that’ll lead us all the way up to the new year and the January transfer window. Today, we’re going to take a look at what should be a really interesting showdown between Newcastle United and Chelsea at St James’ Park.

Newcastle

The Steve Bruce era has officially come to an end on Tyneside as Newcastle United Football Club attempts to move forward in a positive new direction following their recent takeover. They’ve got all the financial backing they could ever hope for and now, the next step is for them to try and take it to the next level by pushing for the top four – and potentially even beyond. That is, of course, if they can avoid relegation between now and May.

Team News

Shelvey is out as a result of his ongoing suspension with Dummett, Woodman and Dubravka ruled out through injury.

Chelsea

Chelsea are the reigning European champions and on top of that, they’re also leading the way in the Premier League with Liverpool and Manchester City snapping at their heels. The Blues are running riot against just about everyone they come up against right now but the important thing will be to maintain that momentum heading into December which, as we all know, is where it all can all unravel in the blink of an eye.

Team News

Pulisic is a confirmed absentee due to injury with the major worry for Tuchel being the following list of players who are fitness doubts: Azpilicueta, Werner, Lukaku, Kante, Loftus-Cheek and Christensen.

Factors to Consider

• In their last meeting back in February, Chelsea beat Newcastle 2-0.
• Newcastle have drawn three and lost three of their last six games.
• Chelsea have won four, drawn one and lost one of their last six games.
• Newcastle have scored seven goals and conceded 12 in their last six games.
• Chelsea have scored 16 goals and conceded three in their last six games.

Conclusion

It wouldn’t be at all surprising to see Newcastle get on the scoresheet and potentially even take the lead given the positive feeling around the club, but ultimately, Chelsea are just too good for the Magpies to contend with right now. The hosts should try and make this one as physical as they possibly can but if the Blues are at the races, they should be able to run away with it – which is why we’re backing a 3-1 Chelsea victory.

Prediction: Chelsea win

Best Odds: 1/3

Bookmaker: 888sport