Chelsea vs Newcastle Preview:
Possible starting lineups:
Chelsea:
Mendy; Azpilicueta, Christensen, Rudiger; James, Jorginho, Kante, Chilwell; Mount, Abraham, Werner
Newcastle:
Darlow; Krafth, Clark, Dummett, Lewis; Hayden, Willock, Shelvey, Almiron; Joelinton, Saint-Maximin
Chelsea will host Newcastle United in the Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge. The Blues are outside Top 4, but a victory here will prove they are back in contention for the Champions League spots. It's been a solid start to life at Chelsea for the new manager Thomas Tuchel. The German coach, who was previously in PSG, has replaced the club legend Frank Lampard. He has won four and drawn one of the five matches as manager. Strong defense is the key for success - Chelsea have conceded just one goal under Tuchel, against Sheffield United when won 2:1. Interesting, it was an own-goal from Antonio Rudiger. Previously Tuchel managed to beat Burnley and Tottenham, while shared the points with Wolverhampton. Chelsea were also successful in the FA Cup. They secured the quarter-finals after beat Barnsley with 1:0 on Thursday. Tammy Abraham was the scorer in the second half. It was a tough match and Chelsea scored from their only shot on target. Tuchel should be satisfy with the next rivals as Sheffield United are between the desirable opponents. Chelsea have the majority of first-team players ready for this match, but there are some issues too. The experienced central defender Thiago Silva will not play due to a muscular problem. Timo Werner, who skipped the match against Barnsley due to a dead leg, is rated as doubtful. Kai Havertz is also an injury doubt due to a knock. Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham could start alongside Werner in the attack, meaning Olivier Giroud should drop to the bench. N'Golo Kante made his first start under Tuchel on Thursday. It is hard to predict if the French international will feature again, maybe he isn't ready to start successive matches.
Newcastle are just outside the drop zone, on the 17th place. They have won 7, drawn 4 and lost 12 of their 23 Premier League matches this season. Only two sides have lost more league games than the Magpies this term - West Bromwich Albion and Sheffield United. There was a big pressure on manager Steve Bruce during the previous month, however it is much better now. The reason is they have a 10-point advantage to the 18th Fulham, who play against Everton a day before. The actual form is good, they have two victories on the last three matches. The Magpies have beat Everton and Southampton to ease any relegation fears. The atmosphere in the squad is much better now. Steve Bruce's men have secured a 3:2 win against Southampton at home which will give them a boost in confidence ahead of the trip to London. But the victory at St Mary's was paid very high as Bruce has lot of injury and suspension worries. Jeff Hendrick saw a red card last weekend and now must serve the suspension. Fabian Schar sustained a knee injury on the same match and will be out for several months. Finally, the best striker Callum Wilson came off against Southampton with a hamstring injury and will be sidelined in the next two months. His absence is a huge blow for the club as Wilson has directly contributed to 60% of Newcastle's goals in the Premier League this season, a greater share than any other single player in the league this season. Joelinton or Andy Carroll should replace Wilson in this match, but it won't be easy. Javier Manquillo is a long-term injury absentee with ankle injury. Ciaran Clark missed the game at St Mary's to attend the birth of his child but should return here. Jamaal Lascelles and Federico Fernandez are rated as doubtful due to fitness issues.
Chelsea vs Newcastle Prediction:
I expect less than four goals here. Tuchel has improved the defense, the Blues have conceded just one goal on five matches under him. The German coach started with a goalless draw at home to Wolverhampton, but won each of the four matches since then, overcoming Burnley, Tottenham and Sheffield United in the Premier League, and Barnsley in the FA Cup. All five mentioned matches have finished with Under 3.5 goals. Newcastle, meanwhile, failed to score in four of their last five away league matches. It will be much harder to score now when Wilson is injured. Considering these facts, I expect a low scoring match at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea vs Newcastle Pick: Under 3.5 goals @ 1.55 with
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