Prediction: Chelsea vs Newcastle

2nd May 2012

Chelsea go into this game high on confidence after the 6-1 victory over QPR, but with the FA Cup final scheduled for Saturday, Roberto Di Matteo will have that game in mind when picking his starting line-up for the game at Stamford Bridge. On the other hand, Newcastle will have plenty of motives as the Magpies not only want to make amends for the 4-0 defeat to Wigan, but also need to get something from this game in order to keep their top 4 hopes alive.

This game clearly comes at a bad time for Chelsea as the Blues are set to face Liverpool in the FA Cup final on Saturday, and it’s now up to Roberto Di Matteo to decide which game is more important for the club and then decide on the squad selection accordingly. Nonetheless, given team’s recent performances, it looks as though the Italian cannot go wrong whoever he chooses. His players have been absolutely brilliant of late, and after the 6-1 victory over QPR, Di Matteo is clearly spoilt for choices in midfield and attack. The back line could prove to be a problem as both David Luiz and Gary Cahill are in the infirmary, but at least Branislav Ivanovic returns to the side and is expected to partner John Terry in the heart of defence. Chelsea currently occupy 6th place in the overall standings and while the Blues are just one point adrift of Tottenham and Newcastle, they clearly need all three points from this match if they are to keep their Champions League hopes alive.

The mere fact that Newcastle are very much in the race for Champions League places with just three games to go speaks volumes about Alan Pardew’s side and their achievements this season, but there is still a lot of work to be done if the Magpies are to clinch the final Champions League berth. Following the game at Stamford Bridge, Newcastle will host Premier League leaders Manchester City before playing in-form Everton at Goodison on the final day of the season, and with the difficult fixture list in mind, the weekend’s defeat to Wigan could prove the key moment in team’s top 4 push. The Magpies were simply outclassed by the Latics at DW Stadium and deserved to lose the game, even if the final scoreline was a bit harsh on them. Newcastle now face another difficult game as they travel to Stamford Bridge to face their top 4 rivals, although the visitors are hoping to take advantage of the fact that Chelsea will have one eye on the FA Cup final against Liverpool. With no fresh injury worries, Alan Pardew is expected to name the same side that started the Wigan game.

Conclusion

Even if Chelsea will be thinking about their FA Cup final clash with Liverpool, they should have enough in them to beat Newcastle and eliminate them from the top 4 race, especially after such a good string of performances. The 4-0 defeat to Wigan served as a devastating blow to the Magpies and it doesn’t look like they can stop high-flying Chelsea from winning this game.

Verdict: Home win Newcastle (1)

Best Odds: 8/15

Bookmaker: PaddyPower