Battle at the Bridge: A Chelsea vs Newcastle Preview
In probably the biggest game on Saturday, the European champions Chelsea play host to last season’s biggest surprise package, Newcastle. Both teams enter the game full of confidence, both sides still boasting of a 100%record in the League. Newcastle came out on top of a big test of their credentials against a talented Spurs side while Chelsea had the better of both Wigan and new boys Reading.
Venue: Stamford Bridge
Date: 25th August 2012
Kickoff: 9:55 pm IST
TV: ESPN or Star Sports ( check listings for confirmation)
Last season Chelsea 0 Newcastle 2
Referee Phil Dowd
Newcastle
Confidence is high on Tyneside with a European campaign to look forward to and that air of confidence has oozed into the side. Alan Pardew will be hoping of experincing a Déjà vu effect as his Newcastle side came up trumps against the Blues convincingly last time around in a game that produced the goal of the season. The Magpies have, amazingly, been able to keep the vultures at bay and keep hold of all the stars of last season. As a result, they have a steadier line-up that’s been playing together for a longer time and this should serve them in good stead.
The team consists of hard-working grapplers like Tiote and Guttierez with a visionary in Yohan Cabaye. The two potent strikers in the form of Demba Ba and Pappiss Cisse serve as the the ammunition along with the enigmatic genius that is Hatem Ben Arfa. In the likely absence of John Terry, these three may well end up having a field day. The Newcastle defence, with the presence of skipper Fabricio Collocini, has been one to admire, especially for their gritty nature.
So, overall, the line-up looks quiet threatening with only a question at the Left back spot, but Guttierez always provides good cover to Santon or any of his defenders on that side. Pardew generally starts with a 4-4-2, playing his own style rather than compromising and looking at the other team’s line-up. The team, however, may end up in a 4-2-3-1 later on if circumstances dictate, with Ba going to the left and Guttierez tucking in at the center.
Expected Newcastle line-up
Chelsea
Man City owners may have taken over Roman Abrahamovich as the Sugar Daddy Movement of Football Ownership’s poster boys but he still has enough in the tank to lure in talents like Eden Hazard and Oscar. The absence of John Terry owing to injury would be a huge loss for the Blues. He is not only their best defender but also the man they look up to command and lead from the front. The Chelsea defence, already suspicious against lowly Reading in mid-week, may well be quite vulnerable.
The Belgian lad Hazard, however, is certainly the talk of the town or may even be the talk of the Premier League so far. He certainly has the Chelsea faithfuls wagging their tongue for more. One of those who has his tongues out is our own in-house blueblood Sherry Philips. So we had a bit of a chat to see what he thinks of this game.
Me: Hey Sherry, how much do you think Terry’s absence would impact this game?
Sherry: It will be a huge loss. John’s been solid for a lot of seasons and without him, we have always lacked stability at the back. The players get used to getting instructions from him. We dropped over 12 points under Mourinho when we did not have JT and Manchester United went on to win the title after we just won it back to back. Lately, he has been struggling with fitness and Newcastle could very much benefit from it, especially if Cisse were to start.
Me: Pardew is generally bold and always goes for 4-42 to start the game. Against your 4-2-3-1 how do you see it matching up?
Sherry: The 4-2-3-1 is pretty much under construction. Our defense is very shaky and through balls could completely split us apart. We have bagged 6 goals in the first two games, but dont be decieved. So far, it’s just been talent and nothing much tactically. With Newcastle’s 4-4-2, the two strikers upfront will be very difficult for Mikel and the defenders to handle.
Me: A player you are looking out from the Newcastle side and one Newcastle fans should look out for?
Sherry: Pappis Cisse or Hatem Ben arfa. Cisse’s second goal against us at the Bridge pretty much defies the laws of physics and God, do I still have nightmares about that! Hatem’s solo goal against Bolton last season is what every school kid dreams of and I vividly remember him destroying Liverpool. Coloccini, if he does start, can also be tough for Fernando to handle, but I’m expecting him to have an easy day.
No doubts about Chelsea’s main man. Eden Hazard’s is just too hot to handle. Considering the fact that Reading and Wigan are weak teams, if he does fare well against the Toon Army, then he is one for the future. His turn of pace and trickery will keep the defenders busy and if you take your eyes of Torres, the game’s over.
Me: So what’s your final prediction?
Sherry: 2-2. I’m not really confident on how we will fare against a good team. The first two games were a walk in the park but now is when Di Matteo can really test his side. If Torres is at his best and Eden and Mata can work up some more magic, then I could go with Chelsea but if Cisse struts his stuff again, then Roman will be having a word with Di Matteo after the game !
Chelsea’s new look team playing in a 4-2-3-1 with a Cavalier approach would certainly be put to test in this game. The team has no natural width and would look upon the movement and trickery from their arsenal of gifted players to provide opportunities both at the flank as well in the middle. With John Terry (don’t fool yourself if you find him sitting in his Chelsea kit by the sidelines) out, people like Mikel will have added responsibility to provide cover to the back 4 while Chelsea should look to out maneuver the Magpies in the middle of the pitch, having a man advantage in the region.
With all the spotilight on their partners in crime, it may well provide the ideal space for both to work in.
With all that said, my take would be a 2-1 victory to the Tynesiders if we do get our captain Collocini back in the line-up.