Chris Sutton fears familiar Newcastle shortcoming again as he predicts score for Chelsea trip

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Chris Sutton has summed up Newcastle United’s key issue as they prepare to face Chelsea.

The Magpies travel to Stamford Bridge on Sunday, with Eddie Howe‘s side failing to win any of their previous four Premier League games.

Goals are becoming an issue. Alexander Isak missed big chances against Brighton, while Callum Wilson is yet to play this season due to injury.

There is confidence that Newcastle will start to score, and that needs to happen as soon as Sunday. Away to Chelsea is another very tough game, with the Magpies’ last win at Stamford Bridge coming in 2012.

Chris Sutton predicts Chelsea vs Newcastle

Chris Sutton is expecting Newcastle United‘s rotten run in West London to continue on Sunday, as he has predicted a Chelsea win as part of his BBC Sport Premier League predictions.

The former Chelsea striker has also commented on Newcastle’s striker woes, and believes that is why Howe’s side are struggling.

“Newcastle have scored only eight goals in their first eight league games, but I don’t think they have changed their style since last season,” he said.

“It’s more that they don’t have the strength in depth in the strikers’ department. They badly missed Alexander Isak when he was injured, because their other main frontman, Callum Wilson, has not been fit enough to feature this season.

“I am backing Newcastle to get a goal this time after two games without scoring, but everything points towards a Chelsea win at Stamford Bridge. With Cole Palmer in the team, they carry far more of a threat than the Magpies.”

Sutton’s prediction: Chelsea 2 Newcastle 1

Newcastle must stop Cole Palmer

It is simple, but Sutton is right. Newcastle simply are not scoring enough goals. Eight goals in eight games sums it up. Newcastle are interested in signing Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, and he has got six goals in eight games all by himself.

Howe’s players need to bring their finishing boots to Stamford Bridge, having passed up so many chances to score against Brighton. Creating opportunities was not the problem – finishing them was!

But that will not be Newcastle’s only concern ahead of Sunday. They will also be well aware that they need to nullify Cole Palmer, who was outstanding when the two sides last met.

The Premier League clash in March ended in a 3-2 win for Chelsea, with Palmer getting a goal and assist to hand his side what was a more comfortable victory than the score suggested.

However, Liverpool proved last weekend that you can keep Palmer quiet. He barely had a kick at Anfield, as Liverpool picked up an impressive 2-1 win. But that was title-chasing Liverpool, whereas this is a Newcastle team that is yet to hit top gear.