Chelsea vs Newcastle match preview: Premier League clash in SW6

Predicted XIs

Chelsea (3-4-3): Mendy, Chalobah, Silva, Rudiger; Azpilicueta, Kovacic, Kante, Alonso; Mount, Havertz, Lukaku

Newcastle (4-3-3): Dubravka, Manquillo, Burn, Lascelles, Targett; Willock, Shelvey, Longstaff; Fraser, Wood, Murphy

Chelsea form

Chelsea 2-0 LOSC Lille (Champions League)

Chelsea (10) 0-0 (11) Liverpool (Carabao Cup)

Luton Town 2-3 Chelsea (FA Cup)

Burnley 0-4 Chelsea (Premier League)

Norwich City 1-3 Chelsea (Premier League)

Newcastle form

Newcastle United 1-0 Aston Villa (Premier League)

West Ham United 1-1 Newcastle United (Premier League)

Brentford 0-2 Newcastle United (Premier League)

Newcastle United 2-1 Brighton Hove Albion (Premier League)

Southampton 1-2 Newcastle United (Premier League)

Prediction

Newcastle is on a very good run of form and with all the off-field issues around Chelsea, we may even see an upset. Expect a high-pressing start from the home side. Tuchel will ask all his players to press from the front and put the Newcastle’s defenders under pressure from the off. Scoring the first goal in this game will be very crucial. If the Toons score the first goal, they will definitely play on the break, which will be very dangerous for Chelsea.

However, in the second half, expect the Blues’ performance to drop off a bit, just like it did against Norwich. At that time, Newcastle will have the best chance to capitalize. The Toons will definitely have good periods of play, but the main difference of the game will be each team’s ability to finish off chances. In the end, it feels like the quality of players in the Chelsea team will be the difference and earn all the three points in their bid the secure Champions League football for next season.

My prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle United

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