Newcastle v Chelsea: Blues in Title Slip up at St James’ as Toon Take a Point?
Chelsea’s charge towards both the Champions League and the Premier League title is in full effect as they’ve steamrollered the opposition in recent weeks. However, despite their winning run, Premier 10 players should be cautious as Avram Grant’s side will be facing a Newcastle side both in top form and with a superb recent home League record against the Blues.
Chelsea Rarely Succeed at St James’
Chelsea travel to St James’ Park looking for their first League win at Newcastle since December 2001 when Robbie Williams and Nicole Kidman were Christmas number 1’s with ‘Something Stupid’. Claudio Ranieri’s Blues won 2-1 with a brace from Eidur Gudjohnsen whilst Alan Shearer replied for the Toon. Therefore if Grant leads Chelsea to victory this Monday night he will be doing something else Jose Mourinho couldn’t as Blues manager: win a League game at St James’. The home side has won 3 and draw 2 of the last 5 encounters with Chelsea in the North-East so this fixture is hardly the walk in the park some of the media have set it up to be. This Keegan inspired Magpies side will not be cannon-fodder for Chelsea’s title ambitions and with their 3-pronged attack they could end the Stamford Bridge Billionaire’s hopes of a Premier League and Champions League double.
The Season is Ending Toon Soon for Newcastle
Newcastle are now unbeaten in the last 7 League matches and confidence will be higher than at any other point this season. They’ve not only been scoring goals for fun but they’ve also tightened up significantly at the back as 4 clean-sheets in the last 6 games illustrates. They’ve scored 2 goals or more in five of the last six games so should cause Chelsea more than a few problems. They’ve got a very settled team now with the trio of strikers all playing well. Of the 14 goals scored in the 7-match unbeaten run, Obafemi Martins, Mark Viduka and Michael Owen have contributed 11 of them. Hence don’t expect John Terry and co to have it all their own way in front of a fanatical home crowd buoyed by recent performances.
After the Lord Mayor’s Show for the Blues
Chelsea have rammed reports of their demise down the throats of their critics in recent weeks. They’re unbeaten in the last 19 League games and have beaten all their main rivals in recent weeks in all competitions. If home wins over Manchester United and Liverpool don’t boost your confidence then nothing will and the promise of a Champions League final should revitalise any weary limbs. However, this match could be a case of after the Lord Mayor’s Show as Newcastle may be slightly underestimated. Grant’s team are unbeaten in the last 9 away games and I expect them to make it 10 but not with the customary win many would expect.
The Blues are on top form but even a squad as impressive as theirs will suffer from fatigue. After massive games against United and Liverpool I feel a trip to St James’ to face a free-flowing confident Newcastle would be the last fixture they would want. Therefore I would back the Blues to stay unbeaten but not to win as I expect the Toon to grab a goal and a draw. Despite an incredible night of celebration for Avram in midweek I expect him to have the Blues after a title slip up come Monday night.
Pundit’s Pick: Toon take a point from Blues visit (draw) Do you agree with this result for your Premier 10 prediction? Play Now>>
Tags: Blues, Chelsea, Magpies, Newcastle United, Premier 10 preview, Premier League, Toon
