Newcastle United vs. Chelsea - Betting preview and odds

Newcastle United vs. Chelsea - Betting preview and odds

September 26, 2015 17:30pm - St James’ Park

Premier League

In the final game of Saturday’s Premier League program, struggling Newcastle welcome under-performing Chelsea to the North East of England in what could be a pivotal game for Magpies boss Steve McClaren.

Jose out to end Toon hoodoo

Newcastle need a win and they need one badly. With the pressure mounting on Steve McClaren, a game against the reigning Premier League champions may not seem like the ideal fixture in which to register a first win of the season, but consider this: Jose Mourinho has never won a game at St James’ Park.

Of course, some may argue that he has never faced a Newcastle team so vulnerable and devoid of ideas as the current incarnation, but with three losses and two draws to his name, the Portuguese boss has yet to launch a successful assault on Tyneside.

When the teams met in the North East last season, two goals from Papiss Cisse brought Chelsea’s 23-game unbeaten run to an end. This weekend, they meet again with the Blues having won just two of their opening six league fixtures - the latest of which was a controversial victory over Arsenal last weekend.

That game was sandwiched between a Champions’ League Group stage win over Maccabi Tel Aviv and a League Cup triumph at Walsall suggesting that the London club’s mini-slump may be coming to an end.

That’s not great news for Newcastle fans who watched their side get dumped out of the Capital One Cup by Sheffield Wednesday this week. After that display, it is hard to imagine the Magpies extending their unbeaten record against Mourinho beyond this weekend.

Team news

The Londoners will have to make do without the suspended Diego Costa which should mean a start for former Barcelona star Pedro. Other notable absentees include Willian and Thibaut Courtois who are both injured.

Newcastle still have the longest injury list in the top flight with 12 players currently out of action or suffering from knocks. The good news is that some of those players are close to returning, most notably Daryl Janmaat, Jack Colback, Chiek Tiote and Papiss Cisse.

Recent form

Newcastle: LLLDL

Chelsea: WLLWL

Betting odds and tips

Despite Mourinho’s poor record, it is hard to imagine any set of circumstances under which Newcastle will win this game. Even a draw will be a tall order for the increasingly-desperate Geordies. You can back a Chelsea win at 8/13 with Bet365.

With Diego Costa missing, why not back Pedro to fill the goal void. He can be backed to score anytime at 15/8 with Betfred.

If you do fancy an upset, or you believe in curses, you can back the home side at 5/1 with Bet365, which considering their current form, seems a little short.

Go To bet365

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25/09/2015     © Frixo 2024