Premier League: A Cold North Sea Wind Awaits Stumbling Blues   

Newcastle United vs Chelsea

Two of England’s brightest young managers come face to face at St James’ Park on Saturday when Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United entertain Graham Potter’s Chelsea in the Premier League clash of the weekend.

The fact that Newcastle are favourites to win this match at SBOTOP odds of 2.25 tells you just how far, and how quickly, the Magpies have been transformed from relegation fodder to Champions League hopefuls since the change in ownership at the club. Also, Chelsea, after a brilliant start under new head coach Potter, have stuttered a little in recent weeks.   

This is a third versus seventh battle…but not the way we might have expected.  

Newcastle come into the game on the back of a 4-1 league win away to Southampton while a loss to Arsenal made it back to back defeats for Chelsea. Then both sides were in Carabao Cup action on Wednesday as the Magpies beat Crystal Palace on penalties while the Blues had another frustrating night, losing 2-0 to Manchester City.

St James Park will be bouncing on a chilling Saturday evening and the Geordie roar will echo around the North East if they can see off the London aristocrats.

Talking Points

Almiron on Fire

Even with the new investment in the North East club the Premier League 2022 results at Newcastle have been little short of astounding. Howe hasn’t found it easy to bring big names to the club, but that will all change if the Magpies can hold on to their top-four place and enter the 2023/24 Champions League.

There is a long way to go, but with seven wins, six draws and a single defeat Howe is already working wonders, and it is the form of players who were already at the club which is eye-catching; and none more so than Miguel Almiron. The Paraguayan striker scored nine goals in his first three seasons on Tyne side and he has already bagged eight, some spectacular, in Howe’s new-look Newcastle.   

Alongside him, England striker Callum Wilson is looking sharper than ever and has scored six times, while at the other end of the pitch, wing-back Kieran Tripper, with three assists, and keeper Nick Pope are adding real star quality to the defensive line-up.  

Howe rested Almiron and Trippier for the Carabao Cup match with Palace, while Pope showed his World Cup credentials with three penalty shootout saves.  

Chelsea looking for a striking edge

Two goals in the last four league games and a blank in the Carabao Cup defeat to Manchester City has left Graham Potter wondering whether he is facing the same issue that dogged him so much as manager of Brighton and Hove Albion; namely his team plays attractive football, makes plenty of opportunities and then fluffs the chance when it arrives.

The Carabao Cup defeat at the Etihad was a case in point as the Blues had the best chances of the first half, twice slicing open the Manchester City defence and then Pulisic hit the keeper with the goal gaping. More chances went begging as the Blues chased the game at 2-0 down, and even the introduction of former Sky Blue Raheem Sterling couldn’t change the result.      

Injuries to wing-backs Reece James and Ben Chilwell are costing Chelsea dearly and will be a problem for England in the upcoming World Cup, but Potter’s team is still making plenty of openings. It’s time for Armando Broja and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to stand and deliver. The more chances that go begging…the harder it becomes.     

History

Chelsea have won 34 of the 61 encounters between these two teams since 1993, while Newcastle have won 15 and there have been 12 draws, and the Blues have won the last four, including a 3-0 victory at St James’ Park in October 2021.

In terms of recent form Newcastle have won four and drawn two of the last six, while Chelsea have won two, drawn one and lost three. 

The Magpies are now unbeaten in ten, and have won four and drawn three at home this season in the league. 

Betting Tip

The latest Premier League 2022 betting odds have pulled Newcastle in to fourth favourites in the title race while Chelsea have drifted out of the top-four reckoning. Potter is a fine manager and he has a talented squad, but key injuries are causing problems at the Bridge and he needs to find a solution. 

Right now he would take a Chelsea win at 2.92 and the draw at 3.16, even if it’s a grubby 1-0 or 0-0, but the Blues will have to withstand a buoyant Geordie wave. Under 2.50 at 1.95 could be a good shout, but I suspect both teams will find a way to score

 

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