'Newcastle are very good.' Enzo Maresca says ahead of weekend clash.

2024-10-21

As Chelsea seek to reclaim their Premier League momentum after a thrilling European victory, they prepare to host a Newcastle side eager to rediscover their winning touch in a high-stakes clash at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea

Chelsea, who are coming off a 4-1 win over Panathinaikos F.C., saw their seven-game unbeaten run in the Premier League come to an end after a 2-1 loss to Liverpool last Sunday. The Blues will be looking to get back to winning ways on the domestic front when they face Newcastle this weekend.

Chelsea were unable to remain inside the top four, as they tumbled down two places into 6th place, having lost 4th place to Aston Villa, who are in scintillating form. Chelsea [WWWDL] have 14 points [4W, 2D, 2L] heading into Sunday’s clash with Newcastle, whom they trump on paper when looking at the head-to-head record.

The hosts have lost just one of their 29 Premier League home games against Newcastle [21W, 7D, 1L], going down 2-0 in May 2012. ‘Newcastle are very clear: they are physically strong; they are very good. They were unlucky, especially in the last game against Brighton,' Enzo Maresca said in a pre-match press conference.

‘Overall, they have deserved more points, and the way they work over the years together is quite clear,’ Maresca added. The 44-year-old gaffer is expected to deploy the well-seen 4—2—3—1 with Nicolas Jackson in attack. Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana are available to feature here.

Newcastle United

Newcastle are without a win in their last four league fixtures [WLDDL], following a narrow 1-0 loss to Brighton. Prior to this winless streak, the visitors had secured three victories in four Premier League games [3W, 1D, 0L].

The Magpies now find themselves in 9th place with 12 points [3W, 3D, 2L] after the defeat. The upcoming clash against Chelsea offers Eddie Howe's side an opportunity to make up lost ground.

Newcastle's recent form against Chelsea has been mixed, with two victories in their last four Premier League encounters [2W, 1D, 1L], equivalent to the number of wins in their previous 13 meetings [2W, 1D, 10L]. Eddie Howe noted Chelsea's depth, saying, "They almost have two (starting) XIs," and praised the consistency in their team selection.

A 4-3-3 formation featuring Isak, Harvey Barnes, and Anthony Gordon in attack is anticipated for the match. However, up to four players are sidelined for Sunday's clash, including Sven Botman, Jamaal Lascelles, and Kieran Trippier.