Graham Potter’s Chelsea side will take on a rampant Newcastle United in the pair’s final match before the World Cup break this weekend.
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On the back of a damaging defeat to London rivals Arsenal last weekend, Chelsea face the unenviable task of facing an in-form Newcastle in their final outing before the winter break.
No Premier League team in the last five games have taken more points than Newcastle, who currently sit above Chelsea in third place.
A last-minute defeat away to Liverpool remains the only loss Newcastle have suffered this season, with the Magpies boasting an unbeaten record at St. James’ Park.
Not only do they have more points than Chelsea at this stage of the season, the North East outfit also hold a better offensive and defensive record too.
Having scored over 10 more goals than Chelsea, while conceding five fewer, the form book is currently tipped in Newcastle’s favour ahead of Saturday’s clash.
However, history says differently, with Chelsea having enjoyed the more successful head-to-head record in recent meetings between the two.
Just once in their previous eight Premier League matchups with Newcastle have Chelsea failed to win, last succumbing to defeat against the Magpies in January 2020.
That remains Newcastle’s only victory at home against Chelsea in eight years – a run of just one defeat in six visits to St. James’ Park for Chelsea.
Yet, this weekend’s clash is likely to be the most competitive fixture between the two in recent memory, given the pair’s contrasting league form so far.
Winless in their last four Premier League matches, last weekend’s defeat to leaders Arsenal continued what has been a torrid run of form for new boss Potter.
What’s more, during that time, Chelsea have found the net just twice, with goals against Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion their only returns from a frustrating run.
Two points from four matches isn’t the kind of form Chelsea will require if they’re to return to the Champions League next season, with the Blues hoping to wrap their pre-World Cup Premier League campaign up with a win.
Getting the best out of summer signings Raheem Sterling and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will be crucial this weekend for Chelsea, as news reports already suggest Todd Boehly could be planning to spend big once more in January.
Expect a tight affair in the North East, with a bouncing St. James’ Park no doubt baying for Chelsea blood on Saturday evening.