Premier League action continues on Monday as Chelsea host Newcastle United in West London for an exciting top-flight fixture.
At a time when the Blues are languishing in 11th place, Eddie Howe’s side are sitting ninth in the league standings.
Match Preview
Chelsea battled back to earn a 2-2 draw against Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium last weekend.
Nicolas Jackson scored the opening goal before Mads Roerslev and Yoane Wissa struck to make an impressive second-half comeback.
But Axel Disasi headed an 83rd minute equaliser to ensure the spoils of the match were shared.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side have endured a disappointing 2023-24 campaign.
The Blues have some of the best players in their ranks and also remain linked with many top talents in latest Chelsea transfer rumours, but they are currently sitting 11th in the English league.
Pochettino guided his side to the final of the Carabao Cup, only to lose to Liverpool after an extra-time winner from Virgil van Dijk.
Their rivals on Monday haven’t fared very well also as Newcastle are very likely to miss out on Champions League football next season.
They are occupying ninth position in the Premier League, having secured 40 points from 27 matches.
However, Eddie Howe’s men beat Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend to register their first home victory in the English top-flight since mid-December.
First-half goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon put the Magpies in control of the St James’ Park encounter before Tino Livramento capped off an excellent home success with a third goal in stoppage time. They will now travel to London in search of back-to-back top-flight wins.
Next Newcastle United fixture will see them take on Manchester City in a blockbuster FA Cup quarter-final.
Team News
Manager Mauricio Pochettino will be without many of his players due to injuries this weekend. Levi Colwill, Benoit Badiashile, Wesley Fofana, Romeo Lavia, Christopher Nkunku, Ben Chilwell and Reece James will all be missing the Stamford Bridge encounter on Monday.
Meanwhile, Newcastle will also be without some of their key players for the upcoming fixture. Their guaranteed list of absentees include Joelinton, Callum Wilson, Nick Pope, and Kieran Trippier.
Chelsea vs Newcastle United potential line-ups
Chelsea: Petrovic; Chalobah, Disasi, Silva, Gusto; Caicedo, Fernández, Gallagher; Sterling, Palmer, Jackson
Newcastle United: Dubravka; Livramento, Schar, Botman, Burn; Willock, Guimaraes, Longstaff; Gordon, Isak, Almirón
Chelsea vs Newcastle United prediction
Both teams have been unconvincing with their performances in recent weeks. But Chelsea will have home advantage this weekend, and so they look slight favourites to win on Monday.
Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle United