Newcastle United vs Chelsea 26/08/18

26 August 2018

Newcastle United’s nightmarish start of the season may go from bad to worse, as they are looking to take on Chelsea at the St. James Park. The Magpies have lost the opening Premier League encounter to Tottenham Hotspur by two goals to one in front of the home supporters, although they showed glimpses of their potential in that match. However, a 0-0 draw with Cardiff City on the road last weekend was a huge blow for Rafael Benitez’s side who had a chance to wrap up all three points, but the Brazilian forward Kennedy failed to convert a penalty kick in the 96th minute of the game. Now, the Tynesiders will host the Blues hoping to repeat last season’s performance when they demolished the London side by three goals to nil. Meanwhile, the Pensioners have achieved two significant victories at the beginning of the league, defeating Huddersfield Town 3-0 on the road and Arsenal 3-2 at home, thus keeping up the pace with Manchester City and Liverpool. Mauricio Sarri, who had an outstanding season with Napoli last year, intends to lead his new team back to the Champions League, and looking at the opening two Premier League matches, he is doing a great job.

Florian Lejeune will be the only absent player in the home squad, while the visitors should start at full strength.