Chelsea favorites to win at Newcastle, but don’t bet on a clean sheet
By Scott Brant
With what feels like an eternity since the last match, Chelsea travel to play Newcastle United. This match could spark a movement in the transfer window if the Blues were to somehow lose against Newcastle with a daunting February ahead.
With a win, the Blues could extend their lead over fifth-place Manchester United to eight points, as United face Liverpool on Sunday. But if the gap closes through the Blues losing and Manchester United adding to the points they alone have taken from Liverpool, the odds of incoming transfers would likely go up.
Everyone knows Chelsea has been a very good road team, currently sporting a +8 goal differential on the road. Newcastle United’s home differential is +2, which isn’t bad with everything considered.
With the differential being what it is for both teams, I expect both teams to score and the over looks promising. The current over / under on The Action Network is 2.75, and the over is taking all the action and is -110. The under 2.75 goals is +105. With the general public liking three goals or more, I agree.
Newcastle to win is a healthy +525 at home, which doesn’t bode well for them. Newcastle is stricken with injuries currently. Frank Lampard acknowledged during his press conference that he won’t let the Blues look at that and risk overlooking their opponent in the process.
The Blues will be focused, and they need to be. Wounded animals are always dangerous, and Chelsea must respect that fact and not take Newcastle for granted.
This match will be a tight duel that sees Chelsea hold on to the three points. It won’t be a blow out by any means. The Blues will likely go up early and have a lead for most of the match. But Newcastle will undoubtedly score since the Blues have kept back to back clean sheets.
Chelsea hasn’t exactly been putting teams away as of late, and Newcastle is the type of team to make that hurt. If you let them hang around as Manchester United did earlier in October, Newcastle scored in the 72′ and stole the three points.
Chelsea wins 2-1 with Newcastle making it a difficult and necessary three points. Look for Willian to have a huge match.
No doubt after Frank Lampard mentioned his contract is up at the end of the season, he will want to prove to Chelsea what he’s worth, or to likely suitors in the future.