PREMIER LEAGUE analyst Daniel McCulloch (@DMcCulloch1984) has run the rule over Super Sunday's clash between Newcastle and Chelsea.
Newcastle v Chelsea | Sunday 26th August 2018, 16:00 | Sky Sports
Rafa Benitez’s Newcastle will be looking for their first victory of the season when they entertain Chelsea on Sunday afternoon, but it would take a brave man to back them to win this encounter.
Newcastle fans can take some solace from the fact that they beat their opponents 3-0 at St James’ Park just over three months ago and also enjoyed victories against Arsenal and Manchester United at home last term.
Overall, however, it’s hard to argue that St James’ was a fortress last season, with their guests leaving with three points on seven occasions.
I thought Newcastle were slightly unfortunate to lose to Tottenham on the opening day of the season but they looked pretty limited in a dour encounter with Cardiff last weekend. New signings were scarce this summer and I certainly can’t see The Geordies repeating the top-half finish they managed last season.
Chelsea have won both their league games this season but they did look quite poor defensively against Arsenal last weekend. Still, it’s fair to say that the North London outfit have greater attacking threats than Newcastle enjoy.
Ultimately, I believe that Chelsea will have too much for Benitez’s men but I am conscious of Rafa’s ability to get performances from his sides in such encounters and do not expect this to be as comfortable as the West London team found it at Huddersfield a fortnight ago.
The betting
Therefore, there are two bets I like the look of: Chelsea to win and under 4.5 goals to be scored. That is Evens with BetVictor. Such a bet has been successful in nine of Chelsea’s last 15 away matches against sides from seventh down.
Additionally, for about 50% of that stake, I fancy Chelsea to win by a single goal. Six of Newcastle’s eight home defeats since their return to the Premier League have been by this margin, while six of Chelsea’s 11 away victories over the same time period have also been by one goal. That is available at 139/50 with Marathon Bet.
Given Newcastle’s full back problems, I would also recommend seeing the price of Eden Hazard in the anytime goalscorer market once the teams are announced. He didn’t start against Arsenal last weekend but I expect him to do so here and think he is likely to find the net if he does so.
Best Bets
Newcastle v Chelsea – Chelsea to win & under 4.5 goals (1/1 Bet Victor)
Newcastle v Chelsea – Chelsea to win by one-goal (6/4 Bet Victor)
