England Premier League
Saturday 25th November 2023
Kick off at 3pm GMT
Venue: St James' Park
Match Preview:
Newcastle proved themselves last season but there is no let up in football and it is these types of games where the Magpies will really be judged. Even though Chelsea have suffered this season a win against them will still be seen as a major scalp and a statement win.
Eddie Howe’s side are 8 points behind the league leaders but at this point the club will be focusing on a top four finish and they are six points behind that target so can’t afford to lose more ground. Recent form has been good although they did lose just before the break going down 2-0 at Bournemouth. Draws have dogged the side though and they have to start converting them into more consistent wins or they won’t have a chance to finish in the top four for a second successive season. Fans did clash with players in that recent defeat but the club have had to deal with a long list of injuries that in truth would have affected any club. At home there has been much more joy and from six games played they have won five and lost just once which was too Liverpool, It’s 4 wins in a row and their latest win here came against Arsenal.
Chelsea have scored 8 goals in their last two games and given they came against Manchester City and Tottenham it has given fans hope that the side are finally turning a corner and that manager Mauricio Pochettino has a master plan. They beat Tottenham 4-1 in their last home game and drew 4-4 in an epic encounter at home to City. The Blues have been playing exciting attacking football and yet in both cases they may have ended up losing both games. It took for Tottenham to have two players sent off let’s remember and only a last minute penalty salvaged the City draw. Still this is better than their form from a month ago but this game remains a big test.
What has been noticeable is that the Blues are performing better on the road with 10 points from their 16 coming this way and they have the 3rd best away record in the league. The Blues have won their last 3 games in a row away from home beating Tottenham, Burnley and Fulham and have scored 10 goals in those games. They haven’t lost on the road since August.
Team News:
Newcastle: Miguel Almiron will be assessed for a slight hamstring injury, Alexander Isak is 50/50 to return with a groin injury. Sean Longstaff will be assessed for an ankle injury. Javier Manquillo has a groin injury and is a major doubt. Callum Wilson isn’t expected back for another two weeks at least with a hamstring injury. Both Elliot Anderson and Harvey Barnes are not expected back until the end of the year. Sven Botman is out with a knee injury with no fixed return date. Dan Burn has a back injury and isn’t expected back for five weeks. Jacob Murphy is out for a possible seven weeks due to a shoulder injury. Lewis Hall is unavailable to play against his parent club. Matt Targett has a hamstring injury and isn’t due back for two months and Sandro Tonali is out for the season after a 10 month suspension.
Chelsea: Levi Colwill will be assessed after a shoulder injury, it isn’t thought to be too serious but this game may have come too soon. Christopher Nkunku has a 50/50 chance after recovering from his knee injury and will be assessed. Malo Gusto will be assessed due to a minor knee injury. The following players still remain out for the club with no fixed return date; Carney Chukwuemeka, Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chabolah and Romeo Lavia.
Newcastle vs Chelsea Head to Head:
Last season Newcastle won this fixture 1-0.
The last three meetings have all seen under 2.5 goals.
Chelsea have won four of the past six meetings.
Newcastle vs Chelsea Prediction:
Newcastle are making St James’ Park a very difficult place to visit and if the club wants to be amongst the elite that’s what you have to do. Not many clubs are going to come here and win or even take a point, but Chelsea could do that just at the weekend. Newcastle’s injury list has to be a concern and while they still have quality on the pitch but they have key injuries too- they really need Alexander Isak back in the team that is for sure. Callum Wilson is another significant loss with his goals.
Chelsea still are no way at the level they aim to be at and which we would expect them to be at but you have to respect a side who can put 8 goals past Tottenham and Manchester City. It has been easy to criticise them this season but they have one of the best away records in the league and will be a good price for the win which we think they will be able to achieve, expect fireworks though!
Newcastle vs Chelsea Betting Tips:
Draw no bet (Chelsea) at 1.89
Anytime goalscorer: Nicolas Jackson at 3.00
Half Time: Correct Score: 0-0 or 1-0 to Chelsea at 3.00 and 5.00
A sending off in the game at 5.00
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