Chelsea – Newcastle Match Preview
Chelsea’s domination of the Premier League ended abruptly in the first match of 2015, thanks to the 5-3 defeat to Spurs at White Hart Lane. The Blues now have the perfect opportunity to bounce back against a Newcastle side that has lost their last 2 league games at Stamford Bridge, conceding 5 goals in the process. Chelsea have scored with 18% of their shots and hit the target with 50% and Jose Mourinho will demand his players secure all 3 points here, which should be a formality to be honest as the manager has a fully fit squad to select from. The Blues boss may be tempted to name an unchanged 11 from the one, which took to the field in the 5-3 defeat at Spurs on New Years Day even if Filipe Luis could be selected over Azpillicueta.
Newcastle on the other-hand, under John Carver, have struggled having conceded 4 goals in 2 games, including a 1-0 reverse at Leicester in the FA Cup and things don’t get much easier with a trip to the Premier League leaders with a lengthy injury list. In December, Newcastle scored two goals from three shots on target in their 2-1 win over Chelsea at St James’ Park but the Magpies are likely to struggle on Saturday at Stamford Bridge. Newcastle have injury concerns with key players like Fabricio Coloccini, Daryl Janmaat, Jack Colback and Moussa Sissoko who are among the 13 players expected to miss the trip to Stamford Bridge. Tim Krul is closing in on a return to fitness following a spell on the sidelines, though the meeting with Chelsea is likely to come too soon for the Dutchman and Papiss Demba Cisse and Cheick Tiote will both miss out due to their participation in the African Cup of Nations.
Our Probable Formations:
Chelsea (4.2.3.1) Courtois, Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Luis, Matic, Fàbregas, Willian, Oscar, Hazard and Costa.
Newcastle (4.1.4.1) Alnwick, Santon, Williamson, Dummett, Haidara, Anita, Rivière, Cabella, Pérez, Gouffran and Armstrong.
Some Hot Tips:
Chelsea have won their last 9 home matches in the Premier League.
Chelsea have been winning at both half time and full time in their last 7 home matches in the Premier League.
Chelsea have scored at least 2 goals in their last 9 home matches in the Premier League.
Chelsea have kept a clean sheet in 6 of their last 7 home matches in the Premier League.
There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 5 of Newcastle’s last 6 games in the Premier League.
Newcastle have conceded at least 2 goals in their last 3 matches in the Premier League.