Chelsea will be hungry to get backing to winning ways after a spirited 2-1 defeat away to Premier League leaders Liverpool. Enzo Maresca’s side welcome a misfiring Newcastle to Stamford Bridge in what promises to be an entertaining Premier League affair.
Prior to the defeat to Liverpool, Chelsea were in good form, scoring goals for fun with 16 goals scored in their last 7 Premier League games. They currently sit in 7th place with four wins, two draws, and two losses. A 4-1 win away to Greek side Panathinaikos in the UEFA Conference League was a much-needed boost for the Blues after the setback at Anfield. Despite the defeat at Anfield, Chelsea’s performance was a step in the right direction, showing how much progress they had made under Enzo Maresca as Liverpool found it difficult to contain Chelsea’s quality in possession.
Newcastle’s impressive start to the season seems like a distant memory after a recent run of results that have seen Eddie Howe’s team winless in their last four Premier League games. They have been wasteful in attack, goalless in two consecutive league games despite amassing a total of 4.07 xG. The results might not be encouraging, but Newcastle’s performances have been impressive, as they’ve consistently been creating quality chances. With three wins, three draws, and two defeats, Newcastle are in 9th place in the Premier League, two points behind Chelsea.
CHELSEA VS NEWCASTLE KICK OFF
DATE: Sunday, 27th October 2024
TIME: 02:00 pm BST
VENUE: Stamford Bridge, London, England.
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Simon Hooper.
Assistants: Adrian Holmes, Simon Long.
Fourth official: Rob Jones.
VAR: Jarred Gillett.
Assistant VAR: Ian Hussin.
CHELSEA VS NEWCASTLE TEAM NEWS
Chelsea Team News:
Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella are available for selection after missing the game against Liverpool due to suspension. Club captain Reece James is in contention to start with Maresca careful with managing his minutes. Romeo Lavia is in contention to retain his place in the starting lineup while the rest of the squad is available for selection.
Newcastle Team News:
Eddie Howe confirmed the continued unavailability of Callum Wilson while Sven Botman, Kieran Trippier, and Jamal Lascelles remain sidelined due to injuries. Dan Burn is in contention to start after picking up a knock against Brighton. The rest of the squad is fit and available for selection.
PRE MATCH TACTICAL ANALYSIS
Chelsea’s hard pressing from the front can prove too difficult to neutralise and play through but occasionally leaves the London side susceptible to being caught in transition when the lines are broken. Newcastle are a very good counterattacking team, often using the physicality of their midfielders to outmuscle opposition midfielders and winning the ball in key areas. Chelsea’s aggressive man-to-man press would need to be precisely executed, as Newcastle are likely to be setup in a narrow block looking to attack the spaces behind Chelsea’s last line of defence.
CHELSEA VS NEWCASTLE KEY PLAYERS
JADON SANCHO:
Despite a poor showing against Liverpool, Newcastle’s defensive and compact setup would likely free up space out wide for the English winger. As in the game against Liverpool, Sancho is likely to see the ball very often. It’s important he speeds up play more explosively, leaving the Newcastle backline with very little time to adjust their defensive block.
BRUNO GUIMARAES:
Newcastle are likely to setup passively, choosing to concede possession while looking to exploit Chelsea’s man-to-man press. Bruno G would be key to how successful this tactic would be, as his decision-making in both the defensive and attacking phases of the game would be critical. It is imperative he puts in defensive shifts by consistently denying Chelsea’s central attacking players space and time to make quality decisions. In attacking transitions, his decision-making and final balls will be important in playing the attackers through on goal.
CHELSEA VS NEWCASTLE PREDICTED LINEUPS
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs Newcastle: Sanchez, Reece James, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella, Caicedo, Lavia, Madueke, Palmer, Sancho, Jackson.
Newcastle Predicted Lineup vs Chelsea: Nick Pope, Livramento, Schar, Dan Burn, Lewis Hall, Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Gordon, Isak, Barnes
