Newcastle vs Chelsea Prediction: Injury issues could hamper Toon

We’ve got a cracker of a game to look forward to on Saturday afternoon as Newcastle United host Chelsea, with kick-off at 15:00. Below we have previewed the big match and picked out a couple of betting selections for you to consider. 

Team News

Eddie Howe has an injury crisis on his hands. Jacob Murphy will need surgery on his shoulder injury, Dan Burn has a long-term back issue, Callum Wilson is out along with Sven Botman, Elliot Anderson and Javier Manquillo. Alexander Isak could return here, but Lewis Hall cannot face his parent club.

Christopher Nkunku’s long-awaited Chelsea debut could come at St James’ Park. The attacker has been out injured all season but Mauricio Pochettino explained his player told him he wants to be involved after the international break. Romeo Lavia could also return while Levi Colwill missed England’s two internationals through injury. 

Match Odds

Newcastle are 6/4 to win this match, while Chelsea are 13/8 to pick up all three points. A draw is 12/5, BTTS is 8/13 and over 2.5 goals is priced at 4/5. 

Chelsea to win and BTTS @ 18/5

This should be a brilliant match-up, and Chelsea thrilled us all in their 4-4 draw against Manchester City. Pochettino’s men were brilliant at times during that encounter and it appears the new manager has turned a corner in charge of this talented squad. 

Looking at the injury news, it is apparent that Newcastle are going to be some way off their strongest XI. Without Burn and Hall they are down to their third choice left-back and I feel Chelsea can take full advantage of a Toon side missing key players.

However, with the returning Isak, and the atmosphere at St James’ Park, I believe both teams will find the net. That combined with the away win, after a thriller last time out at Stamford Bridge, gives us a very healthy price of 18/5.

Cole Palmer to score anytime @ 13/5

Having made his England debut, Cole Palmer’s incredible start to the season resumes here. He came in as a Manchester City youngster but has quickly established himself as Chelsea’s key forward. They’ve got an impressive trio including Nicolas Jackson and Raheem Sterling, but Palmer showed against his former club how important he is to Pochettino. 

It also helps that he is now the chief penalty taker, and levelled late on from the spot against City. With four goals to his name already, and playing up against a stand-in Newcastle left-back, Palmer can cap off an incredible few weeks with a goal. 

Check out our Football Betting Tips here.