Whether Chelsea would like to admit it or not, it's still in the thick of the relegation fight in the Premier League. The Blues can probably cement their status in the top flight with a win on Saturday, but a loss to Newcastle, and all of a sudden, the drop zone will look a whole heck of a lot closer as we head down the stretch of the campaign.
Soccer Odds at BookMaker.eu
Chelsea -213
Newcastle +614
Draw +355
Over/Under 2.5 (over -145)
ODDS ANALYSIS
By most accounts, Newcastle is one of the worst teams in the league this year, and it would be considered a mild upset if it avoided the drop for a second straight term. The Magpies generally underspend and underachieve, and they truly have the look of a Championship team, not one which should be playing here at the Bridge with a shot at taking down Chelsea.
The Blues would've been two-goal favorites in this match in their top form, but in their current state, they're lucky to be -213 on the moneyline and a comfortable -1 on the Asian Handicap.
The total has to be a bit higher in this one than in most Chelsea matches due to Newcastle's poor defense, and don't be surprised if the number hits a flat 3 by kickoff.
KEY INJURIES
Kurt Zouma is the most recent man to add to the injury list for the Blues. He suffered a knee injury which will end his season, and you can bet that his presence will be sorely missed for a team which needs all of the positive thinkers it can get at the moment.
Newcastle is facing an incredibly long injury list at the moment. None of Vurnon Anita, Papiss Demba Cisse, Jack Colback, Siem de Jong, Paul Dummett, Massadio Haidara, Tim Krul, Chancel Mbemba, Gabriel Obertan or Ivan Toney are going to be in the fold in this one, and for one of the thinnest teams in the league, this massive list of injuries really should be an epic disaster.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"This was a patched-up team, especially the defense, and we know – and I am hoping and I believe – that we will get stronger as the season comes to an end. Our squad will get stronger and better when we get people fit and defenders back." – Newcastle manager Steve McLaren on a win over West Brom which put the Magpies back above the drop zone
RECENT FORM
Chelsea has been inching forward with draws quite a bit of late, but the Blues would rather be celebrating wins in matches which they were favored in. Instead, Guus Hiddink has led his side to just one goal in games against Man U and Watford in February, and the Blues are lucky to have even two points to their ledger for their work in that span.
Newcastle shockingly shut out West Brom on Saturday for a 1-0 win at home, but we have a feeling that form isn't going to hold. Prior to that win over Albion, the Magpies had allowed at least one goal in 10 straight matches across all competitions.
ANALYSIS AND ODDS PREDICTION
Newcastle just doesn't have the defense here to stick around with Chelsea, even if the Blues are playing some miserable and completely uninspired offensive soccer at the moment.
Diego Costa's form returned when he scored the point-saving goal against Manchester United over the weekend, and we have a feeling he's set for a massive match on Saturday. Don't be surprised if he bags a brace in what might end up being one of the more comprehensive performances we've seen out of Chelsea at home all season long.
Chelsea 3, Newcastle 0
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