Chelsea vs Newcastle: This Saturday in a match that is believed to be fairly one-sided, the Blues will look to extend their lead while Newcastle will try to salvage some respect after some below-average performances.
Venue: Stamford Bridge | Date: Saturday, 8 February | Kick-off: 15.00 GMT
With an unexpected yet magnificent 1-0 win against a virtually indestructible Manchester City squad, Chelsea have proven that they can withstand even the best of teams. Alan Pardew’s side, meanwhile, suffered an embarrassing loss at home to Gus Poyet led Sunderland side last weekend.
Chelsea’s recent signing Matic held his play together effectively with David Luiz accompanying him in the defensive midfield position. Meanwhile, Oscar benched in the clash, and will look to return to the playing field this Saturday.
Mohamed Salah could make his Chelsea debut against Newcastle on Saturday, but the Premier League contest comes too soon for injured striker Fernando Torres.
Egypt winger Salah, who joined from Basle last month, was an unused substitute for Monday’s win at Manchester City and is in contention to feature at Stamford Bridge.
Torres has missed the last three matches with a knee injury and returned to training this week, but is more likely to feature in Tuesday’s match at West Brom.
With Newcastle’s Loic Remy facing suspension, and Bigirimana, Coloccini, Gouffran, Oberton and Ryan Taylor still recovering from various injuries, Newcastle’s play will be further weakened. Cisse could return after a grievous back injury while Fernando Torres was found to be in training today and may start for the Blues.
This win would propel Chelsea to the top of the table if Manchester City fail to capitalise on their match against Norwich City, so keep your finger crossed and keep on cheering
Opta stats
- Chelsea are unbeaten in 72 Barclays Premier League home games with Jose Mourinho as boss (W56 D16 L0).
- Samuel Eto’o has scored seven goals in his last seven games in all competitions at Stamford Bridge.
- Newcastle have won three and lost just one of their last five Premier League games away from home.
Chelsea vs Newcastle Predicted Lineups:
Chelsea – Petr Cech | Branislav Ivanovic – John Terry – Gary Cahill – Azpilicueta | David Luiz – Matic | Oscar – Ramires – Hazard | Samuel Et’o
Newcastle United – Krul | Debuchy – Williamson – S.Taylor – Santon | Tiote – Sissoko – Anita | Ben Arfa – Shola Ameobi – Sammy Ameobi
Prediction: Chelsea 2-0 Newcastle
Up the Chels, will be there this Saturday and I cannot wait – we really need this 3 points with Arsenal at Liverpool at 12:45.