Newcastle vs. Chelsea predictions: Time to end this cursed streak

Chelsea have a perfect opportunity to win their first Premier League fixture at Newcastle since 2011. Maurizio Sarri will succeed where all since Andre Villas-Boas have failed.

A win for Chelsea will put them in the pleasant position – however short-lived it may turn out to be – of looking down at Manchester City in the table. A substantial win could even move them clear of Liverpool at the top of the table. History may be against the Blues, but recent form for both teams opens the door for hope.

Abhishek Pancholi: Newcastle 1 – 3 Chelsea. Tad optimistic? You bet. Newcastle United have been a bogey team for Chelsea in the past, but this iteration of the Magpies is there for the taking. With Kenedy ineligible, they lose one of their best players and a credible goal threat. Chelsea will score early and then concede the equalizer right at half-time. In the second half, the handbrake comes off and the Blues batter Newcastle. Alvaro Morata to bag a brace and Eden Hazard to score the third.

Hugo Amaya: 0 – 2. Chelsea will look comfortable for most of the game and score two goals early in the match. Maurizio Sarri will understand that is not all about attacking and having possession, but also about defending. Newcastle won’t have much of an answer for the Blues and lack attacking power. Although they will come close to scoring several times, their attempts won’t come to fruition. The Blues get the three points, and we move on.

Kevin Peacock: 0 – 4. Newcastle in the past have been a bit of a jinx side for Chelsea but not this time around. The Blues have looked brilliant and awful during the first two games of the season. With time passing, though, Sarri will be getting his message across and brilliance will come to the fore. Attacking from the start, Sarri’s men will lead 4-0 at the break before settling back and concentrating on a clean sheet during the second half. Eden Hazard with two, Alvaro Morata and Pedro (obviously) with the others.

Scott Brant: 1 – 2. Chelsea will win, but it won’t be pretty. I don’t care what formation Sarri plays, David Luiz on the field is always a liability. He gets embarrassed numerous times and covers his face with his hair. Alvaro Morata continues to improve with a goal, and Eden Hazard nets a penalty. Luiz with an own goal.

Nate Hofmann: 1 – 2. As with any match with or against Rafa Benitez, this will probably be a dull, turgid affair. Fortunately, it sounds like Eden Hazard and Mateo Kovacic might be set to start, which will make breaking down this curiously terrible-yet-capable Newcastle side much easier. Newcastle’s biggest advantage is they won’t be allowed to play Kenedy, meaning they’ll be forced to field a player who can actually complete passes.

Still, as long as Chelsea can keep Jonjo Shelvey (not to be confused with all the other Jonjos out there) quiet, this should be fairly comfortable.  Hazard and Morata to score.