Frank Lampard’s Chelsea are in fine form heading into matchday 9 in the Premier League. On Saturday, they head to the northeast to face off with Newcastle United, a team that took maximum points off of the Blues in this fixture last term.
Chelsea are unbeaten in six straight league matches. Their last two games both ended in wins as Chelsea outscored their opponents 7-1. Chelsea are just three points off first-place Leicester City. If results go their way this weekend, Chelsea could be sitting closer to the top of the table.
Newcastle United are 13th in the league table and coming off of a matchday 8 loss to Southampton, 2-0. Steve Bruce’s team are winless in four of their last six games as consistency has been difficult to develop.
The Magpies have taken six points from 12 possible at home while posting a –3-goal difference. Newcastle United have been outscored 9-6 by opponents at St. James’ Park.
Chelsea are unbeaten on their travels with eight points from 12 possible. The Blues’ defence has been very good on the road as just four goals have been allowed. They have scored nine times on their travels.
The home team won each of the last three games when Newcastle United and Chelsea met. Last season’s games were low scoring with each finishing 1-0. Newcastle United have won two of their last five games against Chelsea with both wins coming at home.
Lampard has just three injuries heading into the game on Saturday at lunchtime. Forward Christian Pulisic has reaggravated his thigh strain and will miss the game.
Kai Havertz is back from a positive COVID-19 test but may not have the fitness to start the game. Some reports claim Havertz won’t even make the team. Centre-back Thiago Silva is also a doubt for the match.
Timo Werner leads Chelsea in goals with four this season. He averages a goal every 2.0 games and averages 2.57 shots per 90 minutes.
As always, Bruce has a long list of injured players at Newcastle United. Jonjo Shelvey, Dwight Gayle, Martin Dubravka, Ryan Fraser, Matt Ritchie, and Paul Dummett are all ruled out through their respective injuries.
Chelsea have been stellar on their travels. They should claim a third straight victory away to Newcastle United. Chelsea are in a rich vein of form and should get goals as over 2.5 goals are scored by the teams at St. James’ Park on Saturday.