Sunday’s Stamford Bridge clash between Chelsea and Newcastle United pits both teams attempting to regain momentum after each suffered defeats in their last league outings. Chelsea, fresh from their convincing 4-1 win against Panathinaikos in the Conference League, attempts to establish some cadence under head coach Enzo Maresca while Eddie Howe’s Newcastle will be seeking to end their goal drought to get back up to speed.
Match Preview:
Despite almost pulling a point against Liverpool at Anfield, where Nicolas Jackson briefly equalized, Chelsea eventually fell 2-1, constituting their second loss in this season of the Premier League. Chelsea did react to that defeat with a confident 3-0 away win over Panathinaikos in Greece, one in which Joao Felix scored twice for Maresca’s side, showing the kind of offensive depth they’ll need if they are to rise from sixth place in the Premier League.
While Chelsea’s attacking line has been successful-evidenced by the 17 times they have scored in their last six home games-their defense has shown weakness of late, conceding in five consecutive matches across all competitions. Their ability to tighten up defensively will be tested by a Newcastle side eager to recapture their form.
While Newcastle has struggled offensively in October, failing to score in their past two league games, including a frustrating 1-0 defeat to Brighton. Eddie Howe’s men have gone winless for their last four Premier League matches, with an alarming stat of having had only one goal in their previous 270 minutes of play, something not expected from such a highly hyped club post-2021 takeover. However, Howe has beaten Chelsea in two of his four meetings with the team, including a 4-1 win last season.
This Sunday provides Newcastle with an opportunity to halt the bleeding but also must immediately turn around and face Chelsea again three days later in a rematch in the EFL Cup.
Recent Form
Chelsea Premier League Form: DWWWDL
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Team News
Chelsea come into this game with a close to fully fit squad. Reece James came back from injury last weekend, while Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana are back from domestic suspensions. Joao Felix might challenge Jadon Sancho for his starting spot after his brilliant midweek display. Cole Palmer did perform under-par against Liverpool but remains an important attacking cog as he averages a goal contribution every 63 minutes at home.
Newcastle have been rocked by a spate of injuries, with Callum Wilson (back), Sven Botman (knee), Kieran Trippier (thigh), Jamaal Lascelles (knee) and Martin Dubravka (knee) all ruled out. Dan Burn should be okay to feature, however, after sustaining a minor ankle injury. Harvey Barnes may replace Jacob Murphy in attack while former Chelsea academy players Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento start as full-backs.
Predicted Lineups
Chelsea: Sanchez; James, Fofana, Colwill, Gusto; Fernandez, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson
Newcastle United: Pope; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Joelinton, Tonali, Guimaraes; Barnes, Isak, Gordon
This highly anticipated matchup will indeed afford both teams a golden opportunity to pick themselves up and find rhythm as they build toward their various upcoming matches.
