Newcastle vs Chelsea Preview

Newcastle v Chelsea

Saturday 4 April 2009,
St James' Park
Kickoff: 15:00

Newcastle

Newcastle United lost 3-1 at home to Arsenal in their last league outing, their fifth straight match without a win.

In their last five, Newcastle have drawn two and lost three, picking up two points from the 15 on offer. The Toon currently sit 18th in the league, two points ahead of 19th placed Middlesbrough but two points behind 17th placed Blackburn.

Big news for Newcastle this week is that former captain and club legend Alan Shearer has been appointed as manager until the end of the season.

Newcastle have no new injury concerns, and Mark Viduka, Ignacio Gonzalez, and Joey Barton may all return from their long-term injuries for this match. Michael Owen should feature for Newcastle as well if he proves his fitness.

Chelsea

Chelsea lost 1-0 away to Tottenham Hotspur in their last league outing, the Blues' first league defeat in six matches and first loss since Guus Hiddink took over as manager of the club in February.

In their last five matches, Chelsea have won four and lost one, picking up twelve points from the fifteen available. The Blues currently sit third in the league, three points behind second placed Liverpool and six points clear of fourth placed Arsenal.

Chelsea will likely be without defender Jose Bosingwa, who picked up a leg injury whilst playing for Portugal against Sweden last Saturday. Deco and Ricardo Carvalho have both appeared for their sides in the week of International fixtures, so appearances for Chelsea may also be likely after recent injury spells.

Prediction

The two sides drew 0-0 earlier this season at Stamford Bridge, whilst last season's Newcastle vs Chelsea match saw the Blues victorious by a 2-0 margin.

The appointment of Alan Shearer as manager will certainly prove to be a wildcard for the struggling Newcastle side. Currently 18th and in the relegation zone, the Toon face a tough run-in to the end of the season, having to face the likes of Tottenham, Liverpool, Fulham, and Aston Villa as well as upcoming opponents Chelsea.

The former Newcastle and England captain will undoubtedly be looked upon to save Newcastle and prevent what currently looks to be a high chance of relegation. However, with no formal managerial experience, it's anyone's guess as to how the footballing legend will fare in his new position.

With the best current away record in the league, the formidable Chelsea side look favourites to post a victory against the struggling Newcastle squad.

But with the Toon Army at St James' Park behind the Magpies and new boss Shearer, it would be foolish to completely discount Newcastle and their chances of posting a surprise upset in their fight for Premier League survival.

For the complete preview with the best online betting odds for the match, go to the Newcastle vs Chelsea page.

For Saturday's matches, we have previewed Arsenal vs Manchester City and Fulham vs Liverpool. Whilst on Sunday, a big match in Manchester United vs Aston Villa has been previewed as well.