At a Glance:
- Chris Sutton predicts Chelsea vs Newcastle
- Eddie Howe without one of his talismanic figures
- The Blues chasing a top-five finish
Chris Sutton has given his verdict on whether Newcastle United can beat Chelsea in their encounter at Stamford Bridge on Saturday (March 14th). There are often fireworks when the two sides meet and that was the case in the reverse fixture.
The Magpies took a two-nil first-half lead at St James’ Park through a Nick Woltemade brace. But the visitors hit back in the second half courtesy of goals from Reece James and Joao Pedro.
A repeat of that game could make for enthralling viewing, but also a nervy evening for Eddie Howe. He will want his side to get back to winning ways following a heartbreaking 1-1 draw against Barcelona midweek.
Sutton says
Newcastle will be without Bruno Guimaraes for the game as the Brazilian midfielder is still sidelined with a thigh problem. He is one of four players sidelined for the trip to west London.
Howe’s men know just how big of a challenge is on the horizon given the team’s struggles at Stamford Bridge over the years. This was highlighted by Sutton when giving his prediction for the game.
Sutton told BBC Sport:
“Chelsea’s recent record against Newcastle at Stamford Bridge is really good – they have won 11 of their 12 league games there since 2012, and drew the other one. I just wonder how deflated Liam Rosenior’s side will be after being pumped in Paris on Wednesday night – Paris St-Germain’s fifth goal felt like a real hammer blow.”
He added:
“This game finished 2-2 earlier in the season when Nick Woltemade put Newcastle 2-0 up before Chelsea fought back in the second half.”
Anthony Gordon started on the bench in the draw against Barca on Tuesday. The English forward is the Tyneside giants’ top scorer this season.
Sutton touched on this before giving his scoreline prediction:
“Newcastle will be hoping Anthony Gordon is back at 100% after his illness that meant he was only a substitute against Barcelona on Tuesday. But even if Gordon does start, I am still pretty confident Chelsea will win this one.”
Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
What’s at stake?
Newcastle come into Saturday’s game knowing their chances of finishing in a Champions League qualification spot are slim to none. They sit 12th in the league, nine points behind fifth-placed Chelsea.
The team that finishes in fifth will qualify for Europe’s elite club competition as things stand. That’s why Liam Rosenior will be eager for his Blues to bounce back from their 5-2 loss to PSG midweek.
Howe will want the Magpies to head to Camp Nou next week in high spirits, and a win in west London would be a massive boost. It could be one of the most important results of the season should his side come away with all three points.
