Preview
This weekend it’s Newcastle travelling to Stamford Bridge after last Sunday Diego Costa scored to earn a deserved point for Chelsea late on.
Newcastle have caused Chelsea many problems at St. James’ Park in recent years but at Stamford Bridge it has been a different story with The Blues being the better side. In 21 attempts in the Premier League era, Newcastle have only managed to win once away from home against Chlesea. This was a memorable match in which Papiss Cisse scored 2 excellent goals.
Eden Hazard recently got his first goal of the season against MK Dons and he will be pushing for a start tomorrow after returning to what he says is ‘full fitness’. Chelsea vs Newcastle is a fixture which has been a good one for the Belgian with him scoring his goal for Chelsea and also his first Premier League hat trick in the 2012-13 and 2013-2014 campaigns respectively.
Since the signing of Jonjo Shelvey, Newcastle have started to pick up better results and certainly won’t be a walk over on Saturday evening. Shelvey has been exactly the player they have been missing and has helped their side play better football.
Despite this I still expect Chelsea to come through and get a win heading into a big week next week where we play both PSG and Man City.
Come on Chelsea!
Match details
Saturday, 13th February, kick off at 5:30pm at Stamford Bridge on Sky Sports 1.
Recent form
In Chelsea’s last 5 games we have managed to win 2 of them coming against Arsenal and then MK Dons. The other 3 results have ended in draws vs Everton, Watford and Manchester United. Chelsea remain unbeaten since Guus Hiddink took charge for his second spell and in both of his spells combined we have lost only once under his management.
Newcastle have won 2 (West Ham and West Brom), drawn 1 (Manchester United) and lost 2 (Watford and Everton) of their last 5 games in all competitions, after only winning one game before their last 5 games from the middle of November.
Team news
On Thursday Diego Costa broke his nose in training after challenging for a header with a Under 21 player. Hiddink still expects the star striker to be available but he will have to wear a protective mask like the one Azpilcueta has been seen wearing recently. Radamel Falcao will remain sidelined, likewise Alexandre Pato, but Hiddink says he’s hopeful the Brazilian will be available for selection next week when we play Manchester City in the FA Cup.
My prediction
Chelsea 2-0 Newcastle