EPL: Newcastle vs Chelsea Predictions & Odds
Chelsea Head Tyneside
Close Match Expected on Saturday
Newcastle host Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday in what’s expected to be the closest EPL match of the weekend. The Magpies are dealing with many injuries, but opposing teams have struggled at St. James’ Park over the last couple of seasons. Meanwhile, Chelsea have started looking more like themselves and have scored eight goals in their previous two games. As two exciting EPL teams match up on Saturday, we’ll make some Newcastle vs Chelsea predictions and look at the odds.
Newcastle vs Chelsea
Day/Time:
Location: St. James’ Park, Newcastle upon Tyne, England
Head-to-Head:
Newcastle and Chelsea met twice on the EPL schedule last season. Joe Willock scored the winner as Newcastle picked up a 1-0 win at St. James’ Park last November. Meanwhile, these teams drew 1-1 in the reverse fixture at Stamford Bridge. Nearly all preseason 2022-23 EPL predictions had Chelsea finishing above Newcastle, but the Magpies finished eight places above the Blues. Chelsea have won four of their last six matches vs. Newcastle, though.
Injury Crisis Hits Newcastle
Just before the international break, Newcastle United fell 2-0 to AFC Bournemouth. Eddie Howe was missing 11 players for that match, and it appears that the Magpies have an injury crisis on their hands. It is possible that Newcastle have to trot out a reserve back four as left-back Dan Burn is out for a couple of months with a back injury. Meanwhile, center-backs Fabian Schar and Sven Botman are doubtful, with Schar more likely to feature.
Right-back and top chance creator in the EPL, Kieran Trippier, also withdrew from England’s squad for a personal matter. It’s unlikely that Trippier will miss this match, but bettors should check on his status throughout the week. Newcastle vs Chelsea predictions are taking into account that both of Newcastle’s main strikers are out for this match. Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak have combined for 13 of Newcastle’s 27 Premier League goals, but neither are options on Saturday. It’s likely that Howe will play Joelinton in a more advanced role, and he’ll lead the line.
Other players out injured for Newcastle include Jacob Murphy, Matt Targett, and Elliot Anderson. Meanwhile, Sandro Tonali is banned for the rest of the season due to betting breaches. On-loan defender Lewis Hall also can’t play vs. his parent club Chelsea. So, Howe will have to put forth a makeshift lineup while keeping Tuesday’s Champions League match at PSG in mind. Bettors should note Newcastle are 5-1 at home this season.
Chelsea Improving Under Pochettino
Chelsea’s match vs. Manchester City a couple of Sundays ago was one of the best Premier League matches in recent memory. An eight-goal thriller finished 4-4 as Chelsea’s Cole Palmer scored the game-tying penalty vs. his former club in second-half stoppage time. There were four goals scored in both halves, and Erling Haaland got himself on the scoresheet twice.
The Blues’ goals were scored by Thiago Silva, Raheem Sterling, Nicolas Jackson, and Palmer. Chelsea, after not posing an attacking threat for large parts of last season, have scored eight goals in their last two games. Jackson alone has scored four of those goals and will look to continue his momentum on Saturday.
While Chelsea are still just 4-4-4 in the Premier League, their improvement under Mauricio Pochettino has been palpable. While the Blues scored just one goal per game in the EPL last season, they’re averaging 1.75 goals per game. They’ve also lost just one of their last six Premier League matches. Plus, Raheem Sterling seems to be rediscovering the form he had at Man City. The Premier League betting odds currently price Chelsea at +500 to make the top four.
Match Analysis & Odds
Newcastle United are severely hampered by injuries, but they’re still +145 favorites for Saturday’s match. Chelsea have proven they can hang with some of the Premier League’s best teams. In recent weeks, they have drawn vs. both Arsenal and Manchester City, but they’re +175 underdogs. The Blues have a number of injuries of their own, with Levi Colwill, Ben Chilwell, Trevoh Chalobah, and Christopher Nkunku out.
The first of our Newcastle vs Chelsea predictions is that both teams will get on the scoresheet here. Chelsea have conceded in each of their last five matches, and Newcastle could have some key defenders missing here. Bettors can take both teams to score at -145 odds, and another solid pick is over 2.5 goals at -125.
Newcastle pk sits at -120 odds, and Chelsea pk displays even odds for this one. A draw wouldn’t be surprising, and one is priced at +255. Punters should also note that Chelsea are 3-1-1 this season away from Stamford Bridge.
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