Following their recent Premier League clash where the Blues beat Howe’s side 2-1, Newcastle United and Chelsea are set to renew hostilities at St. James’ Park in the EFL Cup fourth round on Wednesday with revenge on the minds of the Magpies.
Newcastle Hope for Cup Upset | Home Win = 2.56
Newcastle may be short of form, but they’ll take heart from their last Sunday meeting with Chelsea, where they put up a strong fight despite losing 2-1. With only one defeat in five (5) home games in all competitions, the Magpies can dream of an upset.
Eddie Howe will see this as a prime opportunity to give fans something to cheer about, especially given their significant injury woes.
Much will depend on the form of Alexander Isak, who scored against the Blues at Stamford Bridge last Sunday and whether he can find his shooting boots to lead his side to a crucial win in this domestic cup game.
Chelsea’s Resurgence and Recent Form | Away Win = 2.60
Chelsea has hit a strong run of form, with seven (7) wins in their last nine (9) matches across all competitions. Jackson and Palmer were on target in their last meeting with Newcastle, and Maresca’s side will look to carry that momentum into Wednesday’s clash.
Maresca’s men, boasting one of the league’s most efficient attacks, are brimming with confidence after reasserting their top-four credentials in recent weeks, and with Chelsea aiming to return to their “big club” status, they will know that lifting trophies like this EFL Cup is how they do that.
Key Players & Team News:
Chelsea is likely to rotate their squad, with players like Joao Felix and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall expected to return to the line-up. Maresca’s rotation strategy has paid dividends so far, allowing squad players like Christopher Nkunku to showcase their talents.
Newcastle, on the other hand, is grappling with multiple injuries. With Anthony Gordon a doubt and Trippier, Botman, and Wilson sidelined, Howe’s side faces a depleted line-up.
The pressure is on the likes of Jacob Murphy and Will Osula to step up in attack, as they’ll need a disciplined performance to break down Chelsea’s defence.
Match Stats & Betting Odds | Draw = 3.52
Chelsea’s recent form of three (3) wins and one (1) draw in five (5) games and their recent dominance over Newcastle (3W 1D in 5G) makes them favourites. | Specials Market: Away & Over 1.5 = 3.00
Newcastle have beaten Chelsea in their last two encounters at home at St. James’s Park (4-1, 1-0). | Specials Market: GG (Yes) & Over 2.5 = 1.82
Chelsea have seen both teams score (GG) in all their five games in all competitions while there have also been (GG) in all the last five (5) games between both teams. | Main Market: Over 2.5 = 1.63.
You can check out the EFL Cup game, Newcastle vs Chelsea, here on MSport.
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