Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker:
In what looks set to be a heavyweight showdown on Saturday afternoon, Newcastle will welcome Chelsea to St. James’ Park.
Newcastle
Starting with the hosts, while Newcastle might have come flying out of the traps when opening up the 2023/24 campaign, it is fair to say that Eddie Howe’s side are in the midst of a recent struggle. Heading into November’s international break with a major missed opportunity as they eventually fell to a shock 2-0 loss at the hands of relegation scrappers Bournemouth, the Magpies do have the feel of a squad seeking a recent boost. Now knowing that they face a real uphill battle in their bid to punch a Champions League knockout stage ticket this season, Newcastle have won just a pair of their previous six appearances across all competitions a run that stems back to a 4-0 romp against Newcastle on October 21st. However, while Howe might have an injury crisis on his hands in the north east, the ex-Bournemouth boss will be excited to make a return to home soil here. Including a hugely controversial 1-0 win against Arsenal on November 4th, Newcastle have won six of their previous seven showdowns at St. James’ Park.
Team News
Dealing with what is an injury crisis at St. James’ Park, Howe will once again be without a host of first-team stars here. The Magpies have already confirmed that they will be unable to call upon the likes of Sven Botman, Dan Burn, Harvey Barnes, Miguel Almiron and Sean Longstaff. However, midfield star Bruno Guimaraes will make his return after serving a suspension earlier in the month.
Despite withdrawing from England’s squad last week due to a ‘personal matter’, influential skipper Kieran Trippier will feature at St. James’ Park. Howe’s side also remain hopeful that striking star Alexander Isak will be able to spearhead their charge on Saturday afternoon.
Chelsea
As for the visitors, snatching what was a remarkable last-gasp equaliser at home against Manchester City prior to November’s international break as they eventually played out a stunning 4-4 draw, Chelsea are simply hoping to find some welcomed stability in west London. However, while Mauricio Pochettino might have opened his tenure at Stamford Bridge in the midst of a real struggle, it does appear that the former Premier League champions have turned a welcomed corner. Shocking many on November 6th as they secured a 4-1 romp away at bitter local rivals Tottenham, the ex-Spurs boss has seen his squad lose just one of their previous eight appearances across all competitions. Bagging eight goals in their back-to-back Premier League showdowns prior to the fortnight interval, Chelsea will also be excited by an eye-catching record against Saturday’s hosts. Grabbing a 1-1 draw when they last travelled to St. James’ Park back on May 28th, Pochettino’s side have collected 13 points from their previous six top-flight showdowns against the Magpies.
Team News
While summer recruit Christopher Nkunku might be inching closer to making a first Premier League start, the French international is not expected to feature on Saturday afternoon. Withdrawing from England’s squad last week, Chelsea are sweating over the fitness of 20-year-old defender Levi Colwill here.
Likewise, the Blues will travel to St. James’ Park this weekend without the likes of Ben Chilwell, Wesley Fofana and Romeo Lavia. However, bagging four goals in back-to-back appearances prior to November’s international break, Nicolas Jackson will certainly spearhead Chelsea’s charge in the north east.
Key Factors to Consider
