Chelsea vs Newcastle prediction: ENGLAND: Premier League betting tips on match 2024-10-26 14:00.
[p]Despite many football fans and pundits alike expecting Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca to struggle when he took over the reins at Stamford Bridge this summer, the Italian boss continues to take his team forward on the pitch. A 4-1 victory over Panathinaikos in midweek UEFA Conference League made it two wins from two in the competition’s league phase, and even though they lost 2-1 to league leaders Liverpool last time out in the Premier League, they still begin this round sat in the top six.[/p]
[p]Many felt they deserved at least a point from their trip to Merseyside, during which they had more shots and possession than the hosts. The Blues also recorded the highest pass completion rate on record (since 2003/04) by an away team in a Premier League game at Anfield as Maresca continues to implement his style on the team. Now, they take on Newcastle United looking to get back to winning ways domestically, something that seems likely given their return of just one loss across their last 29 Premier League home H2Hs (W21, D7).[/p]
[p]As for Newcastle, it’s been an indifferent start to the campaign as a 1-0 home loss to Brighton last time out saw them lose ground on the European chasing pack. That defeat extended their mini-league winless run to four matches (D2, L2) as they arrive at Stamford Bridge looking to avoid recording five Premier League outings without victory in succession for the first time since March 2023.[/p]
[p]What has proven to be a huge problem this term for Eddie Howe’s side is their lack of goalscoring, as the away side have only mustered eight goals through their opening eight league outings. That’s a total that only four sides in the division have less than to this point, and with the Magpies losing five of their last seven top-flight games in the capital (W2), that output could hinder their chances of improving upon that record this weekend.[/p]
[p]Key battle: Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson has been involved in 13 goals across his prior 13 Premier League games (G9, A4), whilst Newcastle’s Harvey Barnes enjoys a Premier League away day, having contributed to four goals across his last five such matches (G3, A1).[/p]
[p]Hot stat: Newcastle have conceded just two second-half goals in the Premier League this season – the joint-fewest. Â [/p]
[p][i]Written by Nathan Evans[/i][/p]