"I am expecting this to be a tight game" - Alan Shearer makes prediction for Chelsea vs Newcastle United
Alan Shearer has predicted a draw between Chelsea and his former club, Newcastle United. The Premier League Hall of Famer believes that the week-long preparation time will help the Magpies this weekend.
In his Betfair prediction on Metro, Shearer said that Anthony Gordon will play a big role after penning a new deal at the club. He admitted that the Blues have impressed him this season but believes it will be a tight game ending in a draw at Stamford Bridge.
"Newcastle can get something at Stamford Bridge with another week on the training ground and no midweek game. Eddie Howe will have plenty of time to work on their finishing and final ball this week and if they can improve on that, with the confidence of Anthony Gordon signing a new contract, they can go to Chelsea and get a point which will hopefully kick-start their season," he said.
"Chelsea impressed me at Liverpool and are showing signs of progress, so I am expecting this to be a tight game on Sunday. Draw," he added.
The Blues are sixth in the league table after eight matches this season. The Magpies are two points behind in ninth and can jump above the opponents if they win this week.
Chris Sutton predicts outcome of Chelsea vs Newcastle United
Chris Sutton was making his weekly Premier League prediction on BBC and has backed Chelsea to collect all three points this weekend. He believes that the Blues will manage a 2-1 win over Newcastle United.
The pundit claims that the Magpies have struggled this season and that is bound to continue this week. He thinks they will get on the scoresheet this weekend, but cannot get the win.
He said:
"Newcastle have scored only eight goals in their first eight league games, but I don't think they have changed their style since last season. It's more that they don't have the strength in depth in the strikers' department. They badly missed Alexander Isak when he was injured, because their other main frontman, Callum Wilson, has not been fit enough to feature this season."
"I am backing Newcastle to get a goal this time after two games without scoring, but everything points towards a Chelsea win at Stamford Bridge. With Cole Palmer in the team, they carry far more of a threat than the Magpies," he added.
The Blues were in Conference League action earlier this week but made 11 changes to their starting XI. The two sides will face each other again in four days when they clash in the Carabao Cup.