Chelsea have been revitalised under new manager Thomas Tuchel. They are unbeaten in five games in all competitions and conceded just once during that time.
On Monday night, Tuchel takes his team up against Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge. Depending on Liverpool’s result with Leicester City on Saturday, Chelsea could move into the top four with a victory.
Steve Bruce will aim to end Tuchel’s good start at Stamford Bridge. The Magpies have won two of their last three games. Those victories came away to Everton at Goodison Park and at home against Southampton.
Some high praise for the Chelsea boys! 👏 pic.twitter.com/5vH8Mj2GVn— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 12, 2021
Some high praise for the Chelsea boys! 👏 pic.twitter.com/5vH8Mj2GVn
Chelsea defeated Newcastle United at St. James’ Park earlier this campaign 2-0 thanks to an own goal from Federico Fernandez and a strike from Tammy Abraham.
Although Abraham has cooled off this season, scoring just six league goals, he did bag the only goal of Chelsea’s 1-0 FA Cup fifth round win versus Barnsley. Tuchel could stick with the Englishman this weekend.
The manager does have a few injury concerns as Timo Werner and Kai Havertz are not 100% fit for the game. Andreas Christensen is a doubt for the match due to a head injury while Thiago Silva is ruled out until the end of the month due to a muscle strain.
Bruce once again has several injuries to contend with at Newcastle United. The biggest is the injury to striker Callum Wilson. The striker is out until April with a muscle injury and the team will struggle to score goals without him.
This week, Newcastle United were linked with free agent Ahmed Musa as Wilson’s replacement. Jeff Hendrick, Javi Manquillo, and Fabian Schar are both ruled out as well. Jamaal Lascelles and Fernandez will undergo fitness tests ahead of the match.
Chelsea have taken 19 points from a possible 33 available at Stamford Bridge this season. They are +10 in goal difference with 21 goals for and 11 against. Since taking charge of the team, Tuchel’s Chelsea have not conceded a goal at home.
They should continue their run of clean sheets at Stamford Bridge this weekend as Newcastle United struggle in the final third. The Magpies have scored just 10 away goals in 11 matches. Seventeen goals were conceded by Newcastle United during that time period.
Chelsea should win at home against Newcastle United with ease. The Blues are playing well while Newcastle United are just too inconsistent. Tuchel’s unbeaten run in the league will continue as the Blues post another win to nil versus the Mapgies.