This is exactly the start Chelsea were hoping for under new manager Maurizio Sarri. Sarri has brought offense back to the Blues, and the fans are delighted to this team open it up again. Gone are the days of defense first under Antonio Conte, with Sarri encouraging his players to play open, creative, attacking football in order to win games. Chelsea are hoping to move to 3-0-0 on the year this weekend when they head north to take on Newcastle United.
Don't miss the English Premier League action from St. James’ Park in Newcastle upon Tyne at 11 a.m. ET on Sunday, August 26, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on NBCSN.
English Premier League Betting at BookMaker.eu
Chelsea -151
Newcastle United +427
Draw +285
Over/Under 2.5
Odds Analysis
Newcastle United are somewhat unlucky to have just one point through their first two games. They looked sharp in their opener against Tottenham Hotspur and easily could have picked up a point in that match. The Magpies rung two separate shots off the woodwork in a 2-1 defeat with Joselu scoring the team’s lone goal.
They had some golden opportunities against Cardiff City last week too, but the Magpies had to settle for a 0-0 draw. Newcastle controlled the match until an Isaac Hayden red card put the team down a man in the 66th minute. The Magpies defended well, and Cardiff managed just one shot on goal, and then they had a chance to win it at the end. A hand ball in the box gave Newcastle a penalty kick five minutes into extra time. Kenedy was chosen to take the penalty, but he shot it right at the goalkeeper preserving the 0-0 draw.
Chelsea’s players look happy to be playing under Sarri. They are no longer locked into assignments and have more freedom to move up and down the pitch. In their first match of the Premier League campaign, the Blues cruised to a 3-0 win over Huddersfield Town. N’Golo Kante, Jorginho, and Pedro all found the back of the net for Chelsea in the victory.
Last weekend, the Blues took on Arsenal in the first London Derby of the season between these two teams. The match was indicative of the style Sarri wants to play, as it was very much wide open throughout. Chelsea notched the game’s first two goals with Pedro and Alvaro Morata putting the Blues up 2-0 in the 20th minute before Arsenal leveled with two quick scores just before half. The pace calmed down in the second half, but eventually Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso Mendoza provided the winner.
Key Injuries
Chelsea have two long-term injuries in Marco van Ginkel and Isaiah Brown, and neither player is expected to return to action anytime soon. Cesc Fabregas is listed as doubtful as he continues to deal with a lower leg injury.
Three of Newcastle’s players will not be able to take part in the match against Chelsea on Sunday. Florian Lejeune is a scratch due to injury and won’t return for another few months. Isaac Hayden won’t be suiting up for the team either after picking up a red card against Cardiff last weekend. Additionally, Kenedy is on loan from Chelsea, and he is not allowed to face his parent club. Elsewhere, DeAndre Yedlin is probable to play, while Javi Manquillo is doubtful due to a sprained ankle.
Player to Watch
It feels like it’s only a matter of time until Ayoze Perez breaks through. Perez has been great during his time with the Magpies, and he has come very close to scoring in each of the team’s first two games. Chelsea have been a little porous at the back, so it’s very possible that he gets on the board here.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
There is a lot of value in Newcastle this week. The Magpies have played well and are being underappreciated by the oddsmakers, while Chelsea’s defense has been a bit of a worry. Arsenal missed two sitters against the Blues last week, and that would have changed the outcome of the game. Take Newcastle as an underdog here.
English Premier League Odds: Newcastle United 2, Chelsea 1
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