Chelsea welcome Newcastle United to Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon as the Premier League season draws to a close.
The Magpies have already secured Champions League football for next season, as they sit four points clear of fifth-placed Liverpool ahead of the final round.
It ends in defeat for the Blues. #MunChe pic.twitter.com/MzgDMItmP6— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 25, 2023
It ends in defeat for the Blues. #MunChe pic.twitter.com/MzgDMItmP6
Chelsea, meanwhile, find themselves all the way down in 12th place – 27 points behind Newcastle – with a bottom-half finish guaranteed.
There is no hiding the fact that Chelsea have endured a season to forget, recording 11 wins, 10 draws and 16 losses in the Premier League.
Worse still, the Blues have managed to score just 37 goals this term, meaning only three sides – Southampton, Everton and Wolves – have netted fewer.
Following Thursday’s 4-1 thrashing at Manchester United, Chelsea have managed to win just one of their previous 13 matches across all competitions.
Having lost six of their last eight Premier League games, Frank Lampard and his players will be desperate for the campaign to end.
By contrast, Newcastle United have only lost five of their 37 league outings this term, picking up 19 wins and 13 draws in the process.
As a result, the Magpies have qualified for the Champions League for the first time in 20 years, thanks largely to the efforts of manager Eddie Howe.
Newcastle head into Sunday’s clash on the back of a goalless draw with Everton, meaning they have lost just two of their past 13 encounters.
Having won four of their previous six away games – scoring 15 goals along the way – Newcastle will be hopeful of enjoying more away-day success at Stamford Bridge.
Head-to-head: Newcastle claimed a 1-0 victory over Chelsea in the reverse fixture back in November, with Joe Willock scoring the only goal of the game.
Although Chelsea have won seven of their last nine league meetings with Newcastle, the Magpies have soared above the Blues in recent times.
Team news: Chelsea’s lengthy injury list features Benoit Badiashile, Armando Broja, Reece James, N’Golo Kante, Mason Mount, Marc Cucurella and Ben Chilwell.
As for Newcastle, they finish the season with Nick Pope, Emil Krafth, Jamaal Lascelles, Matt Ritchie, Joe Willock and Joelinton on the treatment table.
Given the 27-point gulf between Chelsea and Newcastle, the visitors are expected to finish the campaign by claiming all three points at Stamford Bridge.
Forebet predicts that both teams will score on Sunday. However, Newcastle United shouldn’t struggle to outscore faltering Chelsea.