Newcastle vs Chelsea – Match Preview
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Newcastle have already been heavily involved in who will be representing England in the Champions League next season. A top four finish of their own would be very wishful thinking but on Wednesday they were up against a team who secured a return for next season.
That came in the way of Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham who edged past Newcastle at Wembley after Harry Kane’s early second half strike. It may have been the hosts that earned all three points but on the balance of play would have to say that the visitors were unlucky not to at least return to a Tyneside with a draw.
This Sunday they will once again have a say in who will finish in the top four this season as they play host to Antonio Conte’s Chelsea. The Blues have left themselves with it all to do after failing to beat Huddersfield on Wednesday.
The situation has not changed a great deal in terms of points as they did find themselves just two points behind Tottenham before Wednesday night’s action. The margin they have to make up is still the same but the goal posts have shifted considerably.
That is because it is now Liverpool that they need to hunt down If they are to make the top four, not only that but they will have to beat Newcastle United on the road while also hoping that Brighton produce the same outcome at Anfield.
A draw for Liverpool and a win for Chelsea will simply not be enough due to the Reds’ sizeable goal difference. Chelsea would have to win by 16 clear goals if they are to finish fourth via that combination of results.
Therefore it is nothing short of win or bust for the Blues and it could be the Blues that they are feeling come Sunday. Although they have managed something of a resurgence in form as of late they have left themselves too much to do and will no doubt rue results such as the home draw to Huddersfield on Wednesday.
The contrast between Antonio Conte and his group of players between this season and last is the same as night and day. The manager looks uninterested from the side lines and that air of negativity is most definitely feeding through to the team.
And it is that visible show of managerial lethargy that means this could well be the last Premier League game that Conte masterminds from the touchline. His departure from the West London outfit has been one of the worst secrets in football.
Even if Chelsea do the unlikely feat of leapfrogging Liverpool this Sunday then you almost get the feeling that will not be enough for the former Juventus and Italy manager not to be shown the Stamford Bridge exit door.
Newcastle United caused Tottenham trouble in midweek and they will be ready to do the same this weekend, that said Chelsea have to go for this one and will be good value just to edge this one in a both teams to score win, however they will have to make do with a 5th place league finish.
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