After a remarkable win against all odds at the Etihad Stadium against Manchester City last week, it is time to consolidate that win against Newcastle United at Stanford Bridge. The reverse fixture saw the Magpies pulling off a major upset against Mourinho’s men as they beat Chelsea 2-0 thanks to goals for Loic Remy and Yoan Gouffran.
Newcastle are currently unbeaten against the Blues in their previous two encounters having also won 3-2 last season. This is like 2 facets of the coin facing each other as Chelsea’s bright and encouraging atmosphere facing a rather dull, discouraging and negative atmosphere at the Newcastle camp. With the departure of Yohan Cabaye to PSG in the transfer window and the Alan Pardew not getting in any replacement for the Frenchman it’s going quite bleak for the Magpies.
Team News :
There are no major injury concerns for Jose Mourinho ahead of this fixture as most of his starting-11 seem fit to fight it out with Marco Van Ginkel being the only injury worry as Fernando Torres seems to be back to full fitness ahead of the weekend’s tie.
Newcastle United on the other hand might miss Check Tiote along with long-term casualty Fabricio Colocinni, Ryan Taylor and Papiss Cisse all missing the game for Alan Pardew’s side. Yohan Gouffran and Gabriel Obertan might be fit for the clash against Chelsea.
What to expect :
After a remarkable performance against Goliath-like opposition at the Etihad Stadium, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has already played down Chelsea’s title chances and will make sure that the team is focused at its task this weekend. Newcastle United don’t seem like ending Jose Mourinho’s impressive home league record and the maximum that the Magpies can hope for is a highly unlikely draw at Stanford Bridge.
Prediction: The Blues are just too ruthless at home, so we feel they will run out eventual routine winners
Chelsea 2 – 0 Newcastle United
