The most frustrating thing about this Newcastle United team is that they could easily turn up and beat Chelsea at St James’ Park in the Premier League on Saturday.
Indeed, this is a side who frequently turn up for the big games, particularly at home.
That was evident when Newcastle United beat Manchester City at St James’ Park, only to follow it up with a painful defeat out in Marseille a few days later.
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I really hope we see it
Eddie Howe’s side have serious questions to answer about their mentality and, frankly, not even beating the Blues would do it.
It would, however, be a start of getting fans back onside following the dismal defeat to Sunderland last weekend.
Generally, the Magpies have been very strong at home under Howe, and pundit Chris Sutton is backing them to claim three points again.
Chris Sutton predicts Newcastle United to beat Chelsea
Sutton believes Howe’s side will come out as the victors of Newcastle United versus Chelsea on Saturday.
He’s backed the Magpies for the win but largely because Chelsea haven’t won on Tyneside since 2021, rather than much to do with Howe’s side themselves.
Writing in his BBC Sport column, Sutton said: “Both teams won in the Carabao Cup in midweek, but it feels like Newcastle’s squad is being stretched more at the moment.
“There is a worry for Chelsea too, though, in terms of what is happening with Enzo Maresca.
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“He is obviously unhappy about something, and if there is some sort of infighting going on, or if he feels he is not being backed properly, then that does not bode well regardless of what happens on the pitch.
“I certainly don’t think Maresca’s issues are with his team’s performances. His side are very principled in the way they play and they will cause Newcastle problems.
“I am still going to go with the Magpies to win it, though.
“I usually back them at home anyway, but this is a prediction mainly based on Chelsea’s recent record at St James’ Park, which is poor – they have not got anything there since 2021.
“Sutton’s prediction: 2-1″
The impossible situation Eddie Howe is in ahead of Newcastle United vs Chelsea
As mentioned above, beating Chelsea wouldn’t prove anything to Newcastle fans.
These games generally take care of themselves. They don’t always win them, but there’s almost always some level of performance.
Based on everything we’ve seen this season, claiming what would be a big three points could well be another false dawn.
The only way to answer the growing list of people who doubt Newcastle’s mentality is by winning the games that don’t get the juices flowing quite as much.
After Chelsea, there’s a trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United on Boxing Day.
Following that, Howe’s side head to Burnley. While Newcastle will no doubt be strong favourites for that, little about their performances in those type of games – particularly away from home – convinces.
Sadly for Howe, even a win over Chelsea couldn’t yet be fully celebrated at this stage.
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