Succeeding a disappointing performance against Sheffield Wednesday in the League Cup, Newcastle welcome Chelsea to St James’ Park for their next fixture, before heading to the Etihad to take on Manchester City next weekend. The Geordie faithful aren’t so optimistic going into the game, but how are Chelsea fans feeling coming into the game?
We caught up with the editor of our sister site Read Chelsea, Ryan Darby, for his insight into the fixture.
Would you take any Newcastle players at Stamford Bridge? If so, who and why?
Wijnaldum, I watched a lot of him during his time at PSV and for the Netherlands, I like his creativity and we’re struggling for that in midfield at the moment. Whilst he wouldn’t be a starter for us, I very much like him as a player.
If you could place one Chelsea player from the past in your current team, who would it be and why?
I know he has just left, but Didier Drogba in prime. He was unplayable, he scored goals left, right and centre. Headers, volleys, free kicks, penalties, you name it, he scored it. I don’t think he ever got enough credit for how good he was, yes at times he was a little theatrical, but he was one of the best strikers in Premier League history.
Are there any rising stars at Chelsea that we should be keeping an eye on?
Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Kenedy. Mourinho made a bold decision to not loan either of them out, which at Chelsea, shows how highly regarded they are. Both could feature off the bench after starting against Walsall.
They have shown that they have enough talent to be in and around the first team, so expect to see them slowly grow into Chelsea’s first team.
Who is your most important player?
I honestly don’t know at this moment in time. We’ve had such a poor start, no one has been up to par. Pedro has impressed since joining with another brilliant goal against Walsall. Eden Hazard is also slowly getting back to his form.
What do you reckon will be the key battle on Saturday night?
Newcastle fans. If they get behind the team, they can change any team’s form. For some strange reason, Newcastle away is always a difficult fixture for us. The fans are there to see an upset and Newcastle fans have the ability to change the momentum.
Predicted line-up
Begovic, Ivanovic, Zouma, Cahill, Azpilicueta, Matic, Fabregas, Pedro, Oscar, Hazard, Falcao
Score prediction
2-0
