Betdistrict.com
Newcastle United will love to get back to winning ways in this Premier League 15th round, but the chances of that happening look rather slim with Chelsea coming to town.
The Magpies have been very inconsistent and moody so far this season, actually it was the case last season as well. Newcastle started off in horrible fashion and there were tons of calls for Alan Pardew to go, but the long time manager somehow turned everything around and Newcastle went on to win 6 matches in a row in all competitions, conceding just two goals and climbing as high as the 4th place in the Premier League. Unfortunately in the last two rounds the hosts reverted to their previous poor level and got only 1 point in two accessible matches against Burnley and West Brom – surely injuries piling up again had something to do with this.
As expected, Chelsea bounced right back after a 0-0 draw at Sunderland and went on to defeat Tottenham 3-0 midweek, playing some excellent football. The Blues are 6 points clear at the top of the standings but will have to be careful not to screw up today, as Man City is in great form and threatening their position. Chelsea has a Champions League game against Sporting coming up on Tuesday but the focus is on this Premier League clash – Chelsea already won the UCL group.
Bet on Newcastle vs. Chelsea with the highest handicap odds at Pinnacle Sports.
Team news & lineups:
Newcastle is absolutely decimated ahead of this game: Coloccini, Santon, de Jong, Obertan, Gutierrez, Good, Ryan Taylor, Krul and Ameobi are all out, while Aarons and Williamson are doubtful. Chelsea will get back Diego Costa, but Matic, Ake and probably Ramires are out.
Newcastle: Elliot – Janmaat, Taylor, Dummett, Haidara – Colback, Tiote – Gouffran, Sissoko, Perez – Cisse
Chelsea: Courtois – Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta – Mikel, Fabregas – Hazard, Oscar, Willian – Costa
Newcastle is too inconsistent to be a threat for this unstoppable Chelsea side, even at home. Their good run has come to an end and it is unlikely they can regain form anytime soon with all these injuries, even if most of them are old. Expect Chelsea to play another good game of football and they should win it even if they are not at 100%. Newcastle will surely feel some fatigue considering that they have to play every three days with basically the same players every game. My tip is Chelsea to win and cover the 1 goal asian handicap. Prediction: Newcastle – Chelsea 0-2.
Pick: Chelsea (-1 Asian Handicap)
Odds: 1.98 @ Pinnacle
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 7.84
Event date: 6 December
