Chelsea and Newcastle United will square off at Stamford Bridge on Sunday in a crucial Premier League clash.
Both sides will be looking to bounce back from defeats in their previous league outings as they aim to secure all three points and climb up the table.
Match Preview
Chelsea, currently sitting in 6th place, responded well to their agonizing 2-1 loss against Liverpool by comfortably beating Panathinaikos 4-1 in the Europa Conference League.
Enzo Maresca’s men have been impressive in attack, finding the net in 12 consecutive matches and scoring 17 goals in their last six home games.
However, the Blues have struggled defensively, going five games without a clean sheet. Key players like Joao Felix and Cole Palmer have been in good form, but the team will need to tighten up at the back.
Newcastle, on the other hand, have endured a difficult October, failing to score in their last two Premier League outings.
The Magpies slipped to 9th in the table after their 1-0 home defeat against Brighton. Eddie Howe’s side will be looking to rediscover their early-season form and attacking prowess, with strikers like Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson under pressure to deliver.
Chelsea have been inconsistent in the league, with a win, a draw, and a loss in their last three matches. However, their midweek Europa Conference League victory should provide a much-needed confidence boost.
Newcastle, on the other hand, are winless in their last four Premier League games, a concerning trend that they will be eager to reverse.
Head to Head
Chelsea and Newcastle have met three times last year, with the Magpies securing a 4-1 victory at St. James’ Park, but the Blues gaining revenge with a 3-2 win and a penalty shootout triumph in the EFL Cup. At least both teams have scored in their previous 5 meetings.
Team News
Chelsea will welcome back Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana from domestic suspensions, while Reece James has recovered from his latest injury setback.
Newcastle, however, will be without the services of Sven Botman, Kieran Trippier, Callum Wilson, Jamaal Lascelles, and Martin Dubravka due to various injuries.
Prediction
This promises to be a closely contested affair, with both teams looking to get back to winning ways. Chelsea’s superior home form and attacking prowess should give them the edge, but Newcastle’s resilience and the potential threat of players like Isak and Joelinton could make this a tightly fought encounter.
- Score Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle United
Betting Tips
Match Result: Chelsea to win - The Blues have a strong record at home against Newcastle and should have enough quality to secure all three points.
Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over 2.5 goals - Both teams have the potential to score, and with Chelsea’s defensive vulnerabilities, this match could see a high-scoring affair.
Anytime Goalscorer: Joao Felix - The Chelsea forward has been in excellent form and could be the difference-maker in this game.
Both Teams to Score: Yes - Newcastle’s attacking threat, combined with Chelsea’s defensive issues, suggests that both teams are likely to find the net.
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