After two weeks of international football, the Premier League action is back this weekend. All eyes shift at St. James Park this Saturday as Newcastle welcomes Chelsea. The match kickoffs at 3:30 pm.
A win this weekend could see the Blues rise to the top of the Premier League. However, it remains a hard hassle for Frank Lampard, given the Blues record at St. James Park.
Chelsea has won five of their last seven Premier League matches with Newcastle. However, the side has only one of their last seven trips to St. James Park. It spells five losses at the Park, including their last defeat in the previous season.
St. James Park is proving a hard case for the Blues over the recent past. Despite their pick in form, it remains a hard question given their recent history. With Liverpool and Man City looking far from their best, Chelsea’s task remains to take advantage.
Lampard’s side has also won four games in a row with an aggregate score of 14-1. A win this weekend will ensure their title chances this season. The Blues currently sit unbeaten in six Premier League matches and eight across all competitions.
The Magpies managed to pick wins against West Ham, Everton, and Burnley so far this season. Also, the side has taken points off sides such as Tottenham and Wolves in the league.
Newcastle vs. Chelsea Head to Head
Both sides have 29 games against each other, with Newcastle taking home eight wins while Chelsea with 16 wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
Southampton 2-0 Newcastle
Newcastle 2-1 Everton
Wolves 1-1 Newcastle
Newcastle 1-4 Manchester United
Newcastle United 3-1 Burnley
Away
Chelsea 4-1 Sheffield United
Chelsea 3-0 Rennes
Burnley 0-3 Chelsea
FC Krasnodar 0-4 Chelsea
Manchester United 0-0 Chelsea
Newcastle Team News
Steve Bruce will contend with a couple of injury absentees ahead of the clash, including Jonjo Shelvey, Martin Dubravka, Dwight Gayle, Matt Ritchie, Paul Dummett, and Ryan Fraser. Callum Wilson remains under assessment after a severe hamstring injury before the international break.
Chelsea Team News
Kai Havertz recovered from a positive coronavirus test and is back in training. After a hefty loss to Spain, Timo Werner is back in training and could start on their trip to St. James Park. Christian Pulisic continues to sideline after recovering from an injury.
Prediction and Odds
St. James Park has proven a nightmare for the Blues in the recent past, but their current form will put an end to it.
Chelsea Win
Goals Under 2.5
Home: No Score