BBC Sport’s Mark Lawrenson has predicted the outcome of Newcastle’s trip to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge today.
The Blues have been in the headlines this week for off-field reasons and Newcastle may hope to feed off that uncertainty.
Lawrenson expects Newcastle’s Premier League unbeaten run in 2022 to come to an end, days after Eddie Howe was awarded the manager of the month award.
Lawrenson’s prediction
“Newcastle have got some breathing space above the bottom three because of their run of results in the past few weeks but I don’t see Eddie Howe letting his side take their foot off the pedal.
“All it would take is a run of two or three defeats and they could be right back in trouble. The Magpies are not going to win every week, but maintaining their performance levels is important.
“I still think Chelsea will win but I’d be surprised if Newcastle play poorly after all the positive work they have done. Lawro’s prediction: Chelsea 2-0 Newcastle.”
Newcastle are absolutely bouncing right now and their momentum is strong enough to absorb injury problems to key players.
Chelsea are not at their best and will have one eye on the Champions League, and Newcastle have a real chance of a result here.
That would be yet another signal of intent and another step towards the top half, getting something from the European champions.
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