Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the English Premier League match.
Chelsea have been on a goal-scoring spree in the Europa Conference League, netting four goals against their opponents. This pattern has also appeared in the Premier League, as Brighton can attest. Will Newcastle United, who are unaccustomed to conceding four, be able to stop them?
Chelsea
The opponents Chelsea faced in European competition were modest at best. How would Panathinaikos and Gent fare if they played in the Premier League? Do they even belong there? Moreover, the lineup against the Greeks in their last encounter was entirely different, with none of the players featuring in their loss to Liverpool. Against the Merseyside team, Chelsea didn’t show the same brilliance, though it's not to say they were overwhelmingly outplayed. Liverpool however, were far more efficient in seizing their chances: 2:1 with 9 (5) shots vs 12 (2).
Newcastle United
Newcastle United do not score as readily as Chelsea, only managing eight goals compared to Chelsea's 17. Nevertheless, their defence is solid, with eight goals conceded in eight rounds. They’ve been having finishing issues. In their last four Premier League games, the team haven’t scored more than one goal, regardless of the opponent’s level, with two of those ending without a goal. This has resulted in just two points from a possible twelve. In fact, they have only one defeat by a margin of two goals or more — against Fulham in the fifth round (1:3), and even then, the third goal was conceded in the 92nd minute.
Chelsea vs Newcastle United Prediction
Considering Newcastle United’s reliable defence, it's unlikely that they will concede more than two goals. Chelsea's typical over 2.5 goals may not materialise, as the last three head-to-heads have ended under 2.5 goals. Newcastle United have only lost by a 0:1 margin. We predict a similar outcome for this game.
