Team
news, key stats and predictions ahead of Chelsea vs Newcastle in the Premier
League.
Team news
N'Golo Kante (groin) is out injured for Chelsea with Andreas Christensen
joining him on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, with both players
picking them up on international duty. Mateo Kovacic is back in training and
fit to feature, as is Ross Barkley.
Antonio Rudiger continues his rehabilitation as is now training outside, but
will still be sidelined for the next few weeks.
Newcastle are nearing a fully-fit squad, with only Matt Ritchie and Florian
Lejeune missing out this weekend through injury.
Matty Longstaff could make his second Premier League start after his winning
goal against Manchester United before the international break, potentially
lining up alongside brother Sean in midfield.
Opta stats
Chelsea have won their last six Premier League home games against Newcastle,
scoring 17 goals and conceding three.
Chelsea have won just 36 per cent of their Premier League points in home
games this season (5/14), the third-lowest ratio in the division. In a
complete Premier League campaign, the lowest percentage of points won in
home games the Blues have had is 47 per cent (39/83 in 2008-09).
Newcastle are looking to secure back-to-back Premier League victories for
the first time since April. Both of their wins this season have been by a
1-0 scoreline and against 'big six' opposition.
Newcastle manager Steve Bruce has won just one of his 21 Premier League
meetings with Chelsea (D5 L15), though this did come at Stamford Bridge in
November 2010 (3-0 with Sunderland).
Charlie's prediction
A look at some of the key stats surrounding this weekend's Premier League
action, including Liverpool’s trip to Old Trafford and Sheffield United
hosting Arsenal
This is everybody's banker of the weekend, but Newcastle have gone to
Tottenham and won, which people questioned. They then beat Manchester United
at home but it wasn't sensational. Steve Bruce will be saying that this is a
free swing.
Chelsea have the youngsters and are playing well, but they will have a
roller-coaster season, which is what I said from the start. These are the
games that it took Liverpool years to overcome - these teams sit in and
don't threaten, but try to frustrate.
Newcastle do this and they did it at Tottenham, this is the type of team
they are. Chelsea will get there, but I don't see them dominating unless
they score in the first 10 minutes - I see it being tight.
CHARLIE PREDICTS: 2-1 (8/1 with Sky Bet)
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