Paul Merson predicts who will win on Sunday between Chelsea and Newcastle United

Add as preferred source on Google

Newcastle United are enduring a tough period, and it will not get any easier away to Chelsea on Sunday.

The Magpies travel to Stamford Bridge on the back of their defeat to Brighton, with Eddie Howe needing to solve Newcastle United‘s goalscoring woes.

His team have not scored in their previous three Premier League games. In fact, Newcastle’s last goal from open play was in the 3-1 defeat to Fulham when Harvey Barnes found the net.

But Newcastle insiders believe that goals will soon come – most likely from Alexander Isak. He scored a stunner at Stamford Bridge last season, but it meant nothing as Newcastle lost 3-2.

Paul Merson predicts Chelsea vs Newcastle

And Paul Merson is expecting the same outcome this weekend, as he predicts Chelsea vs Newcastle United for Sportskeeda.

The former Strictly Come Dancing contestant is not optimistic about Newcastle’s chances, and is predicting a comfortable victory for his beloved Blues.

“I just hope Chelsea don’t become flat track bullies,” he said.

“They failed to win against City and Liverpool. Well, you could say they did play well at Anfield last weekend but they ended up losing even then! Cole Palmer never touched the ball in that game. This is the problem Chelsea are going to have now, teams will stop Palmer and they have to find solutions.

“Chelsea will be fine against teams like Newcastle, who blow hot and cold all the time. Enzo Maresca’s men need a win quickly because they’ve dropped outside the top four now. If Aston Villa win this weekend and Chelsea don’t get three points against Newcastle, that widens the gap further.

“I liked it when Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo played together against Liverpool because it kept Chelsea defensively solid. But then they couldn’t get the ball out to Palmer. Enzo Fernandez is definitely a better passer of the ball and can do that more often compared to the other two. And in all honesty, if Palmer doesn’t touch the ball, Chelsea aren’t winning many football matches!”

Merson’s prediction: Chelsea 3 Newcastle 1

The last time Newcastle won away to Chelsea

Merson is pretty dismissive of Newcastle’s chances. However, it is understandable given how well Chelsea are playing, how much Newcastle have struggled this season and what their record at Stamford Bridge is like.

The Magpies travelled to West London twice last season, and lost on both occasions. There was the aforementioned 3-2 defeat in the league, while Newcastle also lost on penalties in the Carabao Cup.

In fact, the last time that Newcastle won at Stamford Bridge was May 2nd 2012. Alan Pardew’s side won 2-0, with Papiss Cisse scoring a brace as he continued to enjoy his incredible start to life as Newcastle’s number nine.

That game is best remembered for Cisse’s second goal, as he looped an outrageous shot with the outside of his boot over the head of Petr Cech.

Newcastle are enduring a tough run of fixtures

Newcastle could do with a moment of magic like that on Sunday, but it might not come from the current Toon number nine. Callum Wilson has not been spotted in training, as Newcastle continue to sweat over his fitness.

The Magpies start the weekend in ninth position, with Nottingham Forest leapfrogging them on Monday night with a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
7	TottenhamTottenham	8	4	1	3	18	9	9	13
8	Nottm ForestNottingham Forest	8	3	4	1	8	6	2	13
9	NewcastleNewcastle	8	3	3	2	8	8	0	12
10	FulhamFulham	8	3	2	3	11	11	0	11

Eddie Howe desperately needs to put some points on the board, but that will be a real challenge away to Chelsea.

Following this game, it does not get much easier. Newcastle face Chelsea in the cup, then welcome Arsenal to St James’ Park before a trip to the City Ground to take on in-form Forest.