On Saturday, at 12:30, Newcastle receives the visit of Chelsea, in the beginning of the 9th stage of the Premier League. It’s a tough match for Steve Bruce’s team, which has important team problems. Instead, Frank Lampard comes with the almost complete team on St. James Park, where only Pulisic and Havertz will be missing. The latter could be recovered in time!
We must not, however, be fooled by Newcastle’s long list of injured. Even without important people in the attack, such as Gayle or Wilson, the “cotofens” have remained at a high level in recent months and have achieved good results. Newcastle comes after victories with Burnley (3-1) and Everton (2-1), but lost quite clearly the duels with Southampton (0-2) and Manchester United (1-4), where the physical form of the black and whites of left to be desired. However, the draw from Wolverhampton (1-1) confirmed that Bruce’s defense can resist, with 5 defenders.
Chelsea had an excellent form before the UEFA Nations League international stage: the Londoners beat Krasnodar (4-0) and Burnley (3-0) away, respectively Rennes (3-0) and Sheffield United (4- 1) at home. In fact, in 5 of the last 6 matches, Chelsea escaped without a goal, having opponents accessible in front. Notable so far is French goalkeeper Mendy. With only one defeat in the last 12 games (in regular time), Chelsea are the big favorites away, even though Newcastle have won two of the last three direct games played at St. James Park: 1-0 and 3-0. No less than eight matches have passed since the last draw between the two rivals!
Chelsea is in 5th place in the Premier League (20-10 goal difference), with 15 points, three points behind the leader Leicester. Newcastle United is in 13th place (10-13 goal difference), with 11 points and only two defeats in the last five rounds. “The boys know what they have to do to have a chance at victory. It is important not to hand over possession of the ball, because Chelsea has the ability and can penalize us at any time “, said the hosts’ coach. Most likely, Newcastle will try to penalize their opponents on the counterattack, especially in the first half.
Steve Bruce is waiting until the last minute to see if he can rely on the goal scorer Callum Wilson (6 successes this season), while Lampard is sure that he will have the team’s best scorer on the field – Timo Werner. Dubcastka, Dummett, Fraser and Ritchie are also missing from Newcastle’s camp. If Wilson will not be able to enter, then the starter in the hosts’ attack will be the massive Andy Carroll. We were expecting a spectacular game, and in 5 of the last 6 stages of the “cotofenele” both teams scored. Chelsea will attack because the draw doesn’t help her here.
Newcastle: Darlow – J. Murphy, Fernandez, Schar, Lascelles, Lewis – Shelvey, Almiron, Hendrick – C. Wilson / Carroll, Saint-Maximin
Coach: Steve Bruce
Chelsea: Mendy – R. James, Silva, Zouma, Chilwell – Kante, Kovacic – Mount – Werner, Abraham, Ziyech
Coach: Frank Lampard
Newcastle have scored 80% of their goals this season in the second half;
Chelsea have won just one of the last 7 games played at St. James Park;
Chelsea is undefeated for 11 consecutive games;
Chelsea have scored 3+ goals in 5 of their last 6 league matches;
In all 4 matches played by Newcastle at home this season, 3+ goals were scored;
PREDICTION: Chelsea to win @ 1,50
