Another week of Premier League action means the another week of Mark Lawrenson’s BBC predictions column.
The former Liverpool defender has offered his verdict on how he thinks Newcastle’s first home game under Graeme Jones’ interim management will go.
Newcastle host Chelsea, who are currently top of the Premier League table.
Lawro’s Newcastle vs Chelsea prediction
“Newcastle have played all the teams from 13th to 18th in the Premier League and not beaten any of them.
“So I really don’t give them much hope of getting their first win of the season against one of the title contenders, Chelsea.
“The Magpies have a glimmer of hope in that Callum Wilson is back fit and scoring for them but, even without Romelu Lukaku leading the line, Chelsea should win this comfortably. Lawro’s prediction: 0-2
Lawrenson’s fellow pundit Paul Merson has predicted a 3-0 defeat against Thomas Tuchel’s side.
That is not a surprise; Newcastle are winless and Chelsea look imperious this season.
Jones has to come up with a gameplan which keeps Newcastle solid at the back and allows them to try and pick some holes in Chelsea.
That is easier said than done, and in truth, Newcastle’s survival hopes do not depend on games like this one.
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