Having conceded plenty of goals at St James’ Park, Al Hain-Cole expects Sarri’s attacking side to ensure a high-scoring clash against the Magpies
Chelsea will be hoping to avoid another slip-up when they travel to St James’ Park to take on bogey side Newcastle United on Sunday.
The Blues have lost four and won none of their last five visits to this ground, and have only suffered more Premier League away defeats against Arsenal and Liverpool.
Latest Odds
Nevertheless, having won both of their two opening matches this season, they are 8/13 (1.62) favourites with bet365 to break their hoodoo with a first victory here since 2011.
Rafa Benitez’s men have taken just one point from their first two games so far, but are priced at 9/2 (5.50) to kick start their season with another shock win over this opposition.
Just one of the last 13 encounters between this pair has resulted in a draw, but there are odds of 14/5 (3.80) available on them cancelling each other out in this one.
Team News
Javier Manquillo and DeAndre Yedlin both face late fitness tests to start at right-back, while Florian Lejeune is definitely ruled out. Isaac Hayden is suspended, and loan signing Kenedy is ineligible to face his parent club.
Cesc Fabregas is a doubt with a knee injury, although Mateo Kovacic and Eden Hazard could return to the line-up after starting on the bench last weekend.
Attacking Blues
Although still very early days, Maurizio Sarri has already made a clear mark on his new squad after just two Premier League matches.
The former Napoli manager’s reputation for attacking football looks well deserved after six goals from the opening two games, while the defending in last weekend’s 3-2 victory over Arsenal would have left predecessor Antonio Conte livid.
A similar display at the back is likely to be punished at a ground where the guests were beaten 3-0 on the final day of last season, and have conceded at least twice in each of the previous five visits.
Predictions
Indeed, odds of 17/20 (1.85) could prove extremely solid value on over 2.5 goals being scored for the eighth clash in nine between this pair, having paid out in three of Newcastle’s last four home league games and eight of Chelsea’s last 10 on the road.
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
Over 2.5 goals for a 2pt stake at 17/20 (1.85) odds at bet365
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