Newcastle v Chelsea: Match Preview, Team News & Prediction

If you haven't watched Eddie's presser it is worth a watch. Why? Because Eddie was sombre and lacking in bounce. Not his usual self.

Hopefully just one of those days we all have at times. But surprising nevertheless.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFdDl9fubE8

Eddie Howe talks to the press

Match Preview

Newcastle have lost 11 out of their last 12 away games against Chelsea and a defeat tomorrow will see us fall 12pts behind The Blues and put the final nail in the coffin for any chance of finishing in a CL spot.

Both teams go into the game on the back of huge disappointments in their first leg CL ties during the week - but for different reasons.

For Newcastle, it was the heartache of conceding a last minute penalty and equaliser that denied the Lads what should have been a thoroughly deserved victory.

For Chelsea, it was caving in to PSG late in the second half and losing 5-2 after being well in contention in the game at 2-2.

In the PL, Newcastle's indifferent away form is currently matched by Chelsea's form at home.

The hosts are seeking their first home success in the top flight since a comeback win over West Ham United in January.

Dropped points at home have allowed Manchester United's good run - stopped by us in a truly dramatic victory - to shift Chelsea out of the top 4.

Both teams have plenty at stake in this match - Chelsea need a win to prevent a gap opening between Villa and Man U in the guaranteed CL spots - and Newcastle need the three points to chase down European qualification to provide a decent end to the season.

The result could be affected by how each manager decides to rotate players prior to their second leg CL ties next week.

If Rosenior decides that all is now lost against PSG he could put out his strongest side, while Eddie Howe knows that the Barcelona tie is still very open and winnable.

That makes this game more difficult than usual to predict.

Team News

Newcastle: No new injuries and Anthony Gordon will be fit to start this game.

Chelsea: Levi Colwill is the only long-term injury, while Estevao and Jamie Gittens could return to the squad.

Chelsea possible starting lineup:

Sanchez; Gusto, Sarr, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Santos; Palmer, Fernandez, Garnacho; Pedro

Newcastle United possible starting lineup:

Ramsdale; Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Willock, Tonali, Joelinton; Murphy, Woltemade, Barnes

Match Prediction

As previously mentioned, this match could be decided on the respective line-ups with both managers having to consider hugely important second leg CL ties next week.

Resenior is more likely to play a full strength side than Eddie Howe, but Eddie doesn't have many options to rotate.

Will Eddie play Wissa as the central ST and use Woltemade in midfield to give a rest to a couple of Barcelona starters?

Unlikely, but the only other forward and midfield options are the usual juggling of Murphy, Barnes and Elanga and Willock or Ramsey.

Bruno and Miley are a huge miss in midfield, and the goal drought of the two W's is affecting Eddie's attack options.

I'm expecting one of the two W's to start, probably Woltemade at ST, and the rest of my predicted 11 above is pure conjecture.

I never bet on Newcastle losing so I'm going for a 1-1 draw. My first draw prediction of the season.

Having said that I wouldn't be surprised if either team won.

So, that's me covered all ways :)

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Pre-Match Posts: For previous match previews, tactical analysis, predicted XIs, team news and match predictions, visit our Newcastle United Match Previews & Tactical Analysis | nufc blog hub