Chelsea welcome Newcastle United to Stamford Bridge on Monday evening in what promises to be a tough game. Chelsea have been inconsistent for weeks, particularly at home, while Newcastle have been strong on the road.
Just one place and four points separates the two sides in the Premier League table. Chelsea have struggled this season and hope to at least climb into the top-half. Newcastle have also struggled domestically and are desperate not to fall out of the top-10.
Both teams have something to play for, so their midweek meeting should be an entertaining spectacle.
Chelsea home form has fallen off a cliff
Chelsea are 11th in the league with 36 points from 26 games, sitting closer to the relegation zone than top-four. The Blues have failed to win three of their last four in all competitions, so they’re not in great shape.
Chelsea are coming off the back of a 4-2 defeat at home to Wolves too, so Newcastle might smell blood. Chelsea had won four on the bounce at the Bridge before the loss, but they’re hard to predict.
Mauricio Pochettino’s men have faced Newcastle twice this season, failing to win in 90 minutes. Chelsea lost 4-1 in November but beat Newcastle in the League Cup on penalties in December.
Newcastle may fancy their chances due to strong away record
Newcastle are 10th in the table with 40 points from 27 games, failing to win three of their last six. The Magpies have been inconsistent overall but have impressed on the road of late. Eddie Howe’s men have won five of their last six away games in all competitions, so they shouldn’t be underestimated.
Newcastle could climb three places up the table if results go their way, so they have incentive to perform in West London. United made light work of Chelsea before too, so they know what it takes to get a result.
Chelsea will be slim favourites with home advantage, but how will Monday’s clash go?
