The third round of Premier League fixtures continues through Sunday this weekend with a meeting between Newcastle United and Chelsea at St James’ Park.
Newcastle United were hoping to push on from their 10th place finish last season but the lack of investment has given fans cause for concern. With the transfer window closed, it could be a tough season ahead for the Toon Army.
Chelsea appointed Maurizio Sarri in the summer and the former Napoli manager has made a good start. The Stamford Bridge faithful will be hoping to close the gap on Manchester City this season and that means winning games like this.
Having played two Premier League games this season, Newcastle are still searching for their first win. A 2-1 loss at home against Tottenham Hotspur on the opening day was followed by a 0-0 draw at relegation favourites, Cardiff City.
Newcastle had a man sent off against Cardiff City but had a last minute penalty to win the game which was missed by Kenedy.
Including last season, trends show Newcastle United have won only one of their last seven Premier League games and have lost five of those seven. However, at home it’s a different story and Newcastle United have won five of their last seven Premier League matches at St James’ Park.
Newcastle United will be hoping to kick-start their season with a win against one of the top clubs in the league.
Chelsea faced a trip to Huddersfield Town on the opening day of the league season and came back with a good 3-0 win. It was a comfortable start to the season for Sarri and Chelsea took the confidence from that game into their second match at home against Arsenal.
The Blues were looked in control of the match having gained a 2-0 lead after just 20 minutes. However, Arsenal battled back into the match and created plenty of goal scoring chances, taking two of them to see the match level at 2-2 by half-time.
The game calmed down in the second half, with both teams defending better but it was Chelsea who pushed on for the winning goal and it came with just 9 minutes left on the clock.
Chelsea have looked good going forward this season but fans will be concerned by the number of times Arsenal opened them up last weekend.
Trends show Chelsea have lost only one of their last nine Premier League games and have won four of their last five on the road.
Team news and Newcastle United will be without Isaac Hayden who is suspended following his red card last week. They have problems at the back with Florian Lejeune injured plus Javier Manquillo and DeAndre Yedlin doubtful. Kenedy cannot play against his parent club.
Chelsea have doubts over the fitness of Cesc Fabregas, who continues to struggle with a knee injury. Eden Hazard could make his first start of the season and Mateo Kovacic could also come into the team having impressed from the bench last week.
Chelsea were poor defensively against Arsenal but looked good going forward. Newcastle have lacked consistency and the pressure is building to get their first win of the season. While Newcastle may find the back of the net in this game, Chelsea are the stronger team with the superior attacking talent and should take maximum points.