Chelsea vs Newcastle Preview: Team News & Prediction | Can Eddie Howe stop the rot at Stamford Bridge?
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Eddie Howe needs Newcastle to find some form sooner rather than later, but this is a tricky assignment for Newcastle against an improving Chelsea outfit.
KICK-OFF DATE/TIME: Sunday 27th October, 2024: UK – 2:00pm / US ET – 10:00am / US PT – 7:00am
HOW TO WATCH ON TV: UK – Sky Sports / US – USA Network
HOW TO WATCH ONLINE: UK – Sky Go / US – Fubo
CHELSEA PREVIEW: BECOMING A FORCE?
Although Chelsea came away from Anfield empty-handed last weekend, there were positives take take from the defeat in how they competed with Arne Slot's in-form side, and they remain in a strong position in the Premier League table.
A largely second-string side also impressed in a resounding 1-4 win at Panathinaikos on Thursday, and Enzo Maresca will be pleased with the level of competition he possesses in his squad following strong performances from the likes of Mykhailo Mudryk and Joao Felix.
NEWCASTLE PREVIEW: YET TO CLICK
The 0-1 home defeat to Brighton last weekend felt like it had been coming for Newcastle, as they simply haven't clicked into gear this season and are struggling for fluency in the attacking areas.
The Magpies have failed to score in their last two Premier League games and are winless in their last four, and with Arsenal to come next weekend they will certainly want to put some points on the board in what has so far been a frustrating start to the campaign for Eddie Howe.
CHELSEA TEAM NEWS: FOFANA & CUCURELLA BACK AFTER BANS
Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella have served their domestic suspensions and could return to the starting XI here, while Maresca could be tempted to field one or two of Thursday's standout performers.
Reece James could be handed another start after making his return last week, while Enzo Fernandez and Romeo Lavia will compete for the one of the midfield berths.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson
UNAVAILABLE: Kellyman (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Chilwell (Out of favour)
NEWCASTLE TEAM NEWS: WILSON SETBACK
Callum Wilson was on the verge making the squad last week but a setback will rule him out of this game, and he joins Martin Dubravka, Sven Botman, Jamaal Lascelles and Kieran Trippier on the sidelines.
Matt Targett, who is dealing with an eczema flare-up, remains doubtful.
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Pope; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Barnes, Isak, Gordon
UNAVAILABLE: Dubravka (Injured), Botman (Injured), Lascelles (Injured), Trippier (Injured), Wilson (Fitness)
QUESTIONABLE: Targett (Illness)
CHELSEA VS NEWCASTLE PREDICTION
There is no doubt that Chelsea appear to be heading in the right direction under Enzo Maresca. They are competing well on all fronts at the moment and their only Premier League defeats this season have come at the hands of likely title challengers Man City and Liverpool.
In all competitions, Chelsea have scored 14 goals in their last four home games, and they will fancy their chances against a Newcastle side who appear to be lacking cohesion. If this plays to form, then a home win is in the offing.
CHELSEA VS NEWCASTLE TIP: CHELSEA TO WIN
