"They carry far more of a threat" - Chris Sutton predicts winner of PL clash between Chelsea and Newcastle
BBC Sport columnist Chris Sutton has predicted Chelsea to defeat Newcastle United by a scoreline of 2-1 in their upcoming Premier League fixture. The two sides are set to face off at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, October 27.
The Blues fell to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Liverpool at Anfield last week. However, they have looked impressive under Enzo Maresca's tutelage this season and are currently sixth in the table with 14 points from eight games.
In contrast, Newcastle have struggled recently, having won just one out of their last five league games. They are ninth in the standings with 12 points and will be the underdogs against Chelsea. The latter have lost just one out of their 29 league home games against Newcastle, winning 21 and drawing seven, and will be aiming to extend this impressive stat.
Sutton wrote (via BBC Sport):
"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."
He added:
"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."
Sutton's Prediction: 2-1
"Sometimes his mistakes are really bad" - David Seaman believes Chelsea star is 'inconsistent' ahead of Newcastle fixture
Former Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman reckons Chelsea shot-stopper Robert Sanchez has been inconsistent this season. While the former admitted the Spaniard has made some exceptional saves, he also stated that Sanchez has made some really poor errors.
Despite Sanchez's inconsistency, Enzo Maresca has kept his faith in the 26-year-old as his No. 1 choice goalkeeper. Seaman said on his podcast (via The Chelsea Chronicle):
“He gets a bit of stick because he’s a little bit inconsistent. He can make great saves, and then he’ll make a real mess… Sometimes his mistakes are really bad. Some decisions that he makes, sometimes coming out for crosses that aren’t his. But he still makes match-winning saves.”
Sanchez has made eight appearances for the Blues this season across all competition, keeping two clean sheets. However, they have been guilty of also conceding 10 goals - something Maresca will be hoping to reduce in the coming weeks.