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Alan Pardew’s Newcastle side continue their tough run of fixture when they play hosts to a struggling Chelsea side on Saturday.
One point from their last two games doesn’t seem to be the form of a side with ambitions of a top six finish but the draw secured in somewhat controversial circumstances at Old Trafford against Manchester United that followed the defeat against league-leaders Manchester City meant Alan Pardew’s side did come out of back to back fixtures against the top two sides in league with something to smile about.
Now they face a Chelsea side still scratching around for form after yet another defeat in the Carling Cup and their second defeat against Liverpool in ten days, with the pressure gradually ratcheting up on rookie boss Andre Villas-Boas.
The Blues 3-0 defeat against Wolves last week appeared to be the confidence boost the so badly needed but another defeat against Liverpool that sent them crashing out of the Carling Cup moved them back to square one as they go about stringing together results in order to move up the league and regain confidence.
Now they’ll seek to get the ball rolling once more ahead of what Villas-Boas has already described as a crucial month for them leading up to Christmas, and with a difficult game against on-fire Tottenham to come the former Porto man will be desperate to ensure all three points against Newcastle.
Pardew has a few injury concerns going into the game, most notably Cheik Tiote, with the combative midfielder a serious doubt for the game as he struggles to overcome a knee ligament problem, while Leon Best is also unlikely to feature as he continues his recovery from a groin strain.
Chelsea meanwhile are still upon the return of Michael Essien which remains some way away, but aside from that the Blues have a clean bill of health. Once more Villas-Boas will have to choose between Fernando Torres and Didier Drogba in attack with the Ivorian likely to get the nod once more, while Daniel Sturridge should also start after he notched his 7th goal of the season agaisnt Wolves to become the club’s leading goalscorer.
The last time these two sides met Newcastle were able to steal a well-earned point thanks to a late Stephen Taylor header that ensured the game ended 2-2 on what turned out to be Carlo Ancelotti’s last game in charge at Stamford Bridge.
Match Winner
Chelsea’s recent form means that while they remain favourites for all three points, the margin between the two sides is nowhere near the odds on offer when the sides last met.
Andre Villas-Boas men are 2.10 (11/10) with Bet365 to take a much needed win, while Newcastle are 4.00 (3/1) with Ladbrokes to keep their outstanding start to the season going.
The draw is at 3.50 (5/2) with Paddy Power.
First Goalscorer
With Daniel Sturridge currently in exceptional form and moving to become the Blues leading goal scorer this season, it comes as no surprise that the England youngster leads the market for first goalscorer. He’s 7.00 (6/1) with SkyBet to open the scoring on Saturday while his partner in crime in the Chelsea attack in recent weeks, Didier Drogba, is 7.50 (13/2) with VC Bet.
Newcastle’s Demba Ba has bagged seven goals already this season to propel Newcastle into their current lofty position, and the former West Ham man is 7.50 (13/2) with BWIN to get proceedings underway.
Recommended Bets
Correct score: Chelsea 2-1, 9.00 (8/1) Ladbrokes
Half Time/Full Time: Draw/Chelsea, 5.50 (9/2) Coral
