Chelsea vs Newcastle betting preview

Two of last season’s greatest surprise packages, outside of the back-and-forth battle for the top spot in the Premier League, must surely belong to Newcastle and Chelsea, who both delivered well above expectations, in two entirely different manners. Chelsea, who started disappointingly lacklustre last season, dropped Andres Villas Boas as the man at the helm in March, a pivotal point in the season, and allowed the second-in-command Roberto Di Matteo to take charge. Much to the surprise of football fans everywhere, Di Matteo lead his Chelsea side to Champions League glory, seeing off the likes of holders Barcelona in a dramatic competition, and beating Bayern Munich on their own turf to take home gold.  Perhaps the only feat which surprised so many would be Newcastle’s stunning performance which saw them finish fifth in the Premier League at the end of a fantastic and goal-ridden season for the Toon, a meteoric rise from their 12^th place finish the season before. Check out our choice of free bet offers ahead of this game.

This all points to a tantalising fixture this weekend (Saturday 25^th, K.O. 5:30pm) at Stamford Bridge, as both teams enter the match looking to continue their 100% starts to the season. Without doubt, Newcastle will come to the Blues’ home with the firepower that saw them win two goals to nil in May, with both Papisse Cisse and Demba Ba, coming off the back of a fabulous goal last weekend against champions-league rivals Spurs, due to lead the charge. With the two Senegalese strikers heading a team which has continued to grow in talent and confidence, they are certain to provide Chelsea with a severe test, though it is expected that there will, as always, be a deep back-line and crowded midfield to break down Chelsea’s rampant style at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea, being the only current team to have won two fixtures in this year’s season, will be looking to capitalise on the momentum gained from their 2-0 win at Wigan and 4-2 comeback against Reading in midweek. With Roberto Di Matteo confirmed in the driving seat now, and with a fresh season ahead of him to build on their victory in Munich last May, Chelsea look to be one of the only teams capable of standing up to the might of the Manchester clubs for the premier League title in 2012/13. The squad has gone from strength to strength also, as Roman Ibramovich once again dipped in to his pockets to bring in the likes of Eden Hazard and Marko Marin to bolster the club, with the likelihood of Wigan’s Victor Moses joining becoming closer and closer to reality. With the strength throughout the squad, and their ability to dismantle teams at home, expect Chelsea to come out looking to kill the game off early and focus on neutralising Newcastle’s front men, all the time seeking to take the lead  as Fernando Torres remains hungry for goal glory.

Chelsea vs Newcastle betting prediction

A score draw seems on the cards if Newcastle can withstand the early onslaught and perhaps snatch a goal themselves on the break. 1-1, or perhaps even 2-2, and most from Paddy Power to Blue SQ are offering 3/1 or similar on the draw. However, if Chelsea can score early on they could win comfortably given the array of short odds from Bet365, SkyBet, and Betfred, who all offer 1/2 on a Chelsea victory. Chelsea could well be continuing their lead at the top of the table for another week, but you can never write off one of the game’s current great entertainers. Get a free £25 free bet from William Hill here.

by Nick Moss

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