The feeling around Chelsea this season is that with some polish, they could really sparkle, despite losing 2-1 to Liverpool at Anfield last time out.
The Blues have been searching desperately for an identity after years of disruption and decline under the ownership of Todd Boehly, but it looks like they are headed in a positive direction with Enzo Maresca in charge. He’s gone two league games without a win, but optimism remains. Nicolas Jackson has risen above stern criticism over his performances, with three goals from four games. Reece James and Romeo Lavia are back in the team, at least for now.
The worry remains the suspect displays from goalkeeper Robert Sanchez and some defensive concerns at the back. It also remains to be seen if Jackson can be the reliable 20-plus goal-a-season striker Chelsea need or if they need to find an upgrade in January.
While they were wounded against Liverpool, the Blues bounced back with a 4-1 win at Panathinaikos in midweek, and that will have put a spring in their step.
Chelsea have only won once at home this season but have a good chance of making it two against Newcastle this Sunday as the Magpies arrive at Stamford Bridge winless in their last five games. Eddie Howe’s Newcastle side have had the fear factor taken away from them — no longer are they a team that dominates games and wins with conviction, a style that helped them finish in the top four and thus qualify for the Champions League in 2022-23.
Newcastle’s 1-0 home defeat against Brighton last week reflected a team that has gone stale with no major signings arriving at St James’ Park in the summer, despite their huge Saudi backing. They still have a team full of talent but you feel it’s in need of a refresh to help them reach the next level and consistently challenge the teams at the top.
Howe will still be confident of getting a result at Stamford Bridge, as Manchester City, Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest all have done this season, though there will be some concern that his side have fired a blank in their last two matches — with just two goals in the last four league games. You have to go back to Sept. 15 for Newcastle’s last win, so a shock victory in West London would be most welcome.
Also, something to make note of is Newcastle’s shocking record away at Chelsea. They’ve only beaten them once at Stamford Bridge in Premier League history — a 2-0 win coming in 2012 when Papiss Cisse netted a fabulous double.
Chelsea will welcome back the previously suspended Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana for this game and otherwise have no new injury concerns. As for Newcastle, they’re set to be without Kieran Trippier for the next few weeks, though Callum Wilson is close to returning and could be in contention. Sven Botman and Jamal Lascelles remain out.
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Chelsea vs Newcastle odds
Venue: Stamford Bridge — London
Time: 2 p.m. GMT (10 a.m. ET), Sunday
Streaming: Fubo (US only, try for free)
Form guide (league only)
Chelsea: 4-2-2, 14 points (6th); L-D-W-W-W
Newcastle: 3-3-2, 12 points (9th); L-D-D-L-W
Match prediction
Chelsea 3-1 Newcastle
Newcastle are on a difficult run and Chelsea is not a place that inspires confidence for the Magpies — even with Enzo Maresca’s side suffering poor form at home. Howe’s men have just one away win this term, and given their record at the Bridge, it looks unlikely that will change this weekend. Chelsea looked promising at Liverpool despite their loss, and I can see them turning things around against a team that’s going through a rough patch.
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(Photo: Milos Bicanski / Getty Images)
