Chelsea FC vs. Newcastle United: Match Preview

Chelsea FC are coming off one of their most impressive Premier League victories in recent memory with their win last week over Manchester City. The victory was hailed as one of the most complete performances of the year and the Blues brought Manchester City’s winning streak at home to an end. Jose Mourinho’s side were on the receiving end of plaudits from what seems like every news outlet in the world. The challenge will be to put the victory at the Etihad behind them and focus on the task at hand, defeating a tough Newcastle United side at Stamford Bridge.

Newcastle ran out 2-0 victors the last time the two clubs met but luckily for Chelsea the Tyneside club is in the midst of a slump coming off a 3-0 defeat to their archrivals and relegation candidates Sunderland FC. To make things worse for the Toon, they are without their top goal scorer and Queens Park Rangers loanee Loic Remy who is not available through suspension. They are also without Yoann Gouffran, Chieck Tiote, and the always-dangerous Yohan Cabaye who was sold to Paris St. Germain in January. This was a strong and powerful Newcastle side but without their key players, they are not nearly as dangerous or effective.

This should by all accounts be an easy victory for the Blues. They would already be favored if Newcastle was at full strength but with the injuries Chelsea should run away with it. Jose Mourinho said he would not risk Fernando Torres who is just recovering from an injury but the Spaniard could be ready to go for the match against West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday. Chelsea faithful are hoping that new boy Mohamed Salah will make his debut but it’s unlikely he will start. Against a weakened side, this could be a good chance for Mourinho to rotate his players, give Andre Schurrle and Demba Ba a start, and give Eden Hazard a much deserved rest.

Prediction: 3-0 Chelsea

Pre-match Stats and Notes:

Newcastle United has won its last two fixtures and three of their last four against Chelsea
Both scorers from the last match for Newcastle are missing through suspension/injury (Gouffran and Remy)
Mourinho has never won an away league game against Newcastle, but he has won all three of his home fixtures against them
Chelsea have only lost one game at home to Newcastle in the Premier League

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