Chelsea will be targeting a quick double over Newcastle United as they travel to St James’ Park in the Round of 16 of the EFL Cup. The Blues are looking confident at the moment and should have the upper hand over their hosts, who have been far from their best lately.
Newcastle United are in the fourth round of the EFL Cup after claiming a 1-0 victory over League Two side AFC Wimbledon. It has been mostly downhill for Eddie Howe’s team since that result as they have picked up just one win from their last six matches across all competitions.
The Magpies will head into Wednesday’ clash off the back of two straight defeats. First they were beaten 1-0 at home by Brighton before suffering a 2-1 defeat to Chelsea last weekend.
Chelsea will be feeling confident travelling to St James’ Park after that 2-1 Premier League victory on Sunday. That result is part of a fine run of form for Enzo Maresca’s men, who have lost just once in their last 10 matches across all competitions.
The Blues have picked up seven wins in that run, including a 5-0 victory over Barrow in the previous round of the EFL Cup. They have also won three of their last four away matches and claimed a 4-1 victory at Panathinaikos in their previous fixture on the road.
How the bookies view it: Tight game expected
The bookies appear to be expecting a closely fought contest with a win for Newcastle priced at 6/4 by Betfred, who is also offering 7/4 for a Chelsea win. A draw is set at odds of 5/2 by Betfred.
Head to head: Chelsea ahead
Chelsea have a 67-49 advantage with 37 draws from 153 previous matches against Newcastle United. The Blues have won the last two meetings, although the Magpies triumphed 4-1 in the most recent clash at St James’ Park back in November 2023.
Players to watch; Chelsea’s dynamic attack
Christopher Nkunku does not start often for Chelsea but tends to deliver whenever called upon. Alongside the likes of Jadon Sancho and Joao Felix, the Blues could be backed to produce over 0.5 goals at 2/9 by Betfred.
One piece of good news for Newcastle United is Alexander Isak ending his dry spell on Sunday. The forward has also found the net in three of the last four meetings with Chelsea and with Harvey Barnes also looking sharp, the Magpies could be backed at 2/9 by Betfred to produce over 0.5 goals.
Probable line-ups
Anthony Gordon is a doubt for Newcastle United after picking up a groin problem ahead of Sunday's clash. Jacob Murphy and Lloyd Kelly are also pushing to start after featuring off the bench last time out.
Chelsea are expected to ring in the changes on Wednesday, with Nkunku and Felix likely to lead the line. The likes of Sancho and Enzo Fernandez were not in the starting line-up on Sunday and could be set to return.
Newcastle United: Pope, Livramento, Schar, Burn, Kelly, Guimaraes, Murphy, Joelinton, Osula, Barnes, Isak
Chelsea: Jorgensen, Gusto, Disasi, Badiashile, Veiga Fernandez, Dewsbury-Hall, Neto, Felix, Sancho, Nkunku
Anything else catch the eye?
Chelsea saw over 4.5 goals in their previous away fixture and could be set for a repeat at 7/2 with Betfred. Over 3.5 goals could also be considered at 6/4 with Betfred.
The Blues have opened the scoring in three of their last four away matches and could be backed to grab the first goal on Wednesday at 19/20 with Betfred.
This EFL Cup match between Chelsea and Newcastle United will be played on Oct 30, 2024 and kick off at 20:45. Check below for our tipsters best Chelsea vs Newcastle United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
