Chelsea vs Newcastle: Preview, Team News, Likely Line-ups & Predicted Score
Chelsea play host to Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night for a game that could be crucial in determining how the top-four shapes up come the end of the season.
Both sides will have one-eye on events at the Reebok where fourth-placed Tottenham face Bolton. Any slip-up by Spurs there would allow either sixth-placed Chelsea or fifth-placed Newcastle to move into pole position for Champions League qualification, with only one point separating the three sides at present.
Chelsea go into tonight’s game in fine form having thrashed local neighbours QPR 6-1 on Sunday, as Fernando Torres found his goal-scoring touch one again, bagging a hat trick. While Newcastle were on the wrong side of a hiding after going down 4-0 away to Wigan.
The Blues record against Newcastle will also give them confidence, as they are currently undefeated in their last nine matches against the Geordies and haven’t lost at home to them since 1986.
Team news
Roberto Di Matteo is expected to keep changes to a minimum ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup final, as he knows the importance of this game in fulfilling their top-four hopes.
The Italian will be without Gary Cahill and David Luiz, who are both ruled out through injury, although it’s hoped the Brazilian defender may be fit in time for Saturday.
Branislav Ivanovic returns after completing his suspension and should come in the partner John Terry in central defence, with Jose Bosingwa moving back to the right.
Fernando Torres will hope to retain his place after his impressive display against QPR, although Di Matteo may have one-eye on his starting line-up for Saturday, meaning Didier Drogba may come back in.
Alan Pardew is sweating on the fitness of defender Danny Simpson, who picked up an ankle injury against Wigan on Saturday. However, Simpson is expected to recover in time to take his place at right back.
Gabriel Obertan and Sylvain Marveaux will travel with the squad after recovering from injury, but Sammy Ameobi and Steven Taylor remain out.
Likely Line-ups
Predicted Score
Chelsea are in stunning form lately while Newcastle have lost five of their last eight games on the road. We can see the home side having too much for the Geordies, as Chelsea warm up for the FA Cup final with a win. Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle.
What are your thoughts on the game? Get involved in the comments section.
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Atinga
May 2, 2012 at 1:37 pm
Mata is chelsea man of d seasn!
Moses Daniel Maina
May 2, 2012 at 1:52 pm
marielles is. look at the goal he score againt benfica .&Bacelona
Charles damte
May 2, 2012 at 2:22 pm
Torres will score three goals in todays game.
BABS
May 2, 2012 at 2:29 pm
I trust GOD for CHELSEA’ S victory.CHE 3-1 NEWCASTLE
Simonchinonso
May 2, 2012 at 2:49 pm
Chelsea 3 – 1 Newcastle, & torres wil scores 2 / two goal on to day game
Sheriffdeen
May 2, 2012 at 3:01 pm
Chelsea teams are very stronger to confront any team as a change.I wish chelsea beat Newcastle to be in top 4 position as at now and also finish the season in third place.UP CHELSEA UP BLUE 4 LIFE!
Chelsea prince
May 2, 2012 at 3:07 pm
D Romans Soldiers wl tear d magpies apart by 7:0
Sheriffdeen(alfa)
May 2, 2012 at 3:08 pm
Chelsea 5 and Newcastle 2.U BLUE UP CHEASEA 4 LIFE!
jimbo
May 2, 2012 at 3:10 pm
1-1
Zinho4
May 2, 2012 at 3:19 pm
2 torres strike ll be enough to send d magpies crashing… CHE 2 – 0 NEW Up chelsea 4 life
ODDBALL
May 2, 2012 at 3:25 pm
Cisse and Ba! Newcastle win 2-1
Saheed opeyemi
May 2, 2012 at 4:11 pm
Chelsea 4 new 1
Saheed opeyemi
May 2, 2012 at 4:15 pm
Up chelsea blue 4 lyf chelsea the best club in england
scoogo
May 2, 2012 at 4:18 pm
For God so lovd chelsea, dat He gave dem His only begotten strikers (Torres/Drogba) dat who so ever give dem pass, they wil nt mis bt score an evalasting goal. Up bluessss!
Frinary Kithinji
May 2, 2012 at 6:53 pm
Amen.thats a great one.yes indeed,blues 4 lyf.
festus
May 2, 2012 at 4:20 pm
chelsea will win 4-1 today
scoogo
May 2, 2012 at 4:22 pm
For God so lovd chelsea, dat He gave dem His only begotten strikers (Torres/Drogba) dat who so ever give dem pass, they wil nt mis bt score an evalasting goal. Chelsea 3 – 0 Newcastle. Up bluessss!
festus
May 2, 2012 at 4:22 pm
chelsea will win 4-1 today nd one goal for torres
Eddyson
May 2, 2012 at 4:42 pm
We wil win this game chelsea 10 newcastle 0 torres wil score 6 goals
Ocean
May 2, 2012 at 5:21 pm
Lol bro its nt handball nw, blues 4 lyf.. Chelsea 4.1 torres 2 score 2 goals 2day.
Chukey nice
May 2, 2012 at 4:48 pm
I just hope chelsea will come out with positive result to night,a win to night will push us to 4th position if by chance totteham drops point against bolton.the colour is BLUE chelsea 4 life
Osondu chukwuemeka
May 2, 2012 at 5:04 pm
chelsea3-0Newcastle up chelsea,d blues till i die
AIMAX- Nigeria
May 2, 2012 at 5:07 pm
Newcastle, please say your last prayers. I’m sorry,you got to be dead and buried before 9pm tonight. May your soul rest by the boot of Didier Drogba and Fernando Torres. CHELSEA 4-1 NEWCASTLE. Let’s watch and see.
Benjamin epelle
May 2, 2012 at 5:19 pm
I trust my my team chelsea plenty undarated us against barca bt we suprised dem so i am goin in 4 chelsea 2 tonight with chelse 4-0 newcastle or chelsea 4-1 newcastle
Sam
May 2, 2012 at 5:20 pm
As for to night victory is asured for chelsea in God’s name.Chelsea wil carry the day by 4-1
Adekanye lekan
May 2, 2012 at 5:35 pm
2day chelsea we win 3_1
Ibraheem Kins
May 2, 2012 at 5:54 pm
Chelsea 5-1 Newcastle……. True blue Blood
ben michael
May 2, 2012 at 6:45 pm
chelsea are taking d day by 4 goals to 1, goals frm torres & altimate drogba!
Iwuoha
May 2, 2012 at 7:37 pm
My regas to all cfc fans and enemies. This is the only club that does not discriminet no mata ur country. Up cfc and the blues for life.
Iwuoha
May 2, 2012 at 7:45 pm
CHELSEA TABLE OF CONTENTS .1. TOP 4 .NO 2. UEFA WINERS AND NO.3. FA CUP WINNERS