As the atmosphere heats up at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea prepare to bounce back from their heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Premier League leaders Liverpool. This Sunday the Blues will host a struggling Newcastle side in a game that promises plenty of thrills. Can Chelsea find her rhythm again or will the Magpies awaken from their slumber? Let’s take a closer look at this high-stakes encounter that will electrify fans.
Chelsea’s journey so far
After a rocky start to the season, Chelsea were firing on all cylinders, scoring a whopping 16 goals in just seven Premier League games before an abrupt detour at Anfield. They are currently in 7th place and their record is four wins, two draws and only two defeats. Despite their recent defeat against Liverpool, the Blues found consolation in a convincing 4-1 win over Greek club Panathinaikos in the UEFA Conference League. Talk about a confidence booster!
In this game, Chelsea displayed a goalscoring ability that could make even the most stoic defenders tremble. Enzo Maresca’s team seemed to have finally cracked the code of closed play and pressing that makes them formidable opponents. With performances like these, it’s no surprise that the team remains motivated to overcome their recent setback.
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The restless magpies
Meanwhile, Newcastle United have seen better days under the management of Eddie Howe. What began as a promising season was marred by a winning streak that extended to four games. From goalscoring to artistic failures, the Magpies appear to have left their goalscoring boots somewhere at St James’ Park. Surprisingly, they haven’t gone completely off track in terms of chances, posting an impressive 4.07 xG in recent games – unfortunately they haven’t managed to convert those expected goals into actual goals.
Newcastle are currently in 9th place with a record of three wins, three draws and two defeats. They are only two points behind their London rivals, but the question is: can they regain their attacking prowess?
Game details you shouldn’t miss
Fans will flock to Stamford Bridge this Sunday, October 27th at 2pm BST to witness what could be a thrilling encounter between these two clubs.
Match officials:
Referee: Simon Hooper
Assistants: Adrian Holmes, Simon Long
Fourth official: Rob Jones
VAR: Jarred Gillett
Assistant VAR: Ian Hussin
Team news: Who’s in and who’s out?
Chelsea team news:
Good news for Chelsea fans! Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella will return to the squad after they were unable to play against Liverpool due to suspensions. Club captain Reece James could also feature, depending on how Maresca divides his minutes. Meanwhile, Romeo Lavia will look to keep his place in the starting lineup as the rest of the squad looks fit and full of energy.
News from the Newcastle team:
Eddie Howe has confirmed some unfortunate news for Magpies fans. Callum Wilson remains unavailable and key players such as Sven Botman, Kieran Trippier and Jamal Lascelles remain sidelined due to injuries. Dan Burn’s status is still uncertain after the recent defeat to Brighton, but the good news is that the majority of the squad is fit and ready to face their rivals.
Tactical overview: The chess game begins
Given the game ahead, the tactical combat is equally compelling. Chelsea’s high pressing can suffocate the opponent, but it also carries risks. Their aggressive man-to-man pressing often leaves them vulnerable to counterattacks, and this is where Newcastle’s physical midfielders thrive. The Magpies will likely soak up some pressure before launching quick counterattacks and exploiting gaps in Chelsea’s defence.
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Chelsea must execute their pressing plan flawlessly to avoid giving Newcastle a chance to counter, and it is unclear how this tactical duel will unfold.
Key players to watch: Who will shine?
Jadon Sancho (Chelsea)
After a less than stellar game against Liverpool, Sancho has the perfect opportunity to show why he is a key player. Newcastle’s compact defense could give him space to exploit and if he can add some urgency to his game it could spell trouble for the Magpies. It’s time for him to get stronger and, who knows, maybe even leave the defenders stumped!
Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle)
On the opposing side, Bruno Guimarães is the engine that Newcastle needs. If the Magpies choose a more passive formation, he will need to work his magic to switch play and link the midfield with the attack. His decision-making will be crucial. So let’s hope he doesn’t play more like a game of chess than football!
Predicted Lineups: Who Starts?
Chelsea’s expected lineup:
– Sanchez, Reece James, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella, Caicedo, Lavia, Madueke, Palmer, Sancho, Jackson.
Newcastle’s expected line-up:
– Nick Pope, Livramento, Schar, Dan Burn, Lewis Hall, Tonali, Bruno Guimarães, Joelinton, Gordon, Isak, Barnes.
Final Thoughts: What Can We Expect?
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As we prepare for an exciting clash, both teams will look to assert their dominance. Chelsea are looking to get back on their feet while Newcastle are hoping for a turnaround. Expect goals, jaw-dropping moments and maybe even a few laughs – because who doesn’t enjoy some good old-fashioned football fun?
Will Chelsea find their goalscoring prowess again or will Newcastle manage to break their goal drought? The only way to find out is to tune in and watch the drama unfold at Stamford Bridge!