Newcastle United will be glad they have home advantage for their huge Premier League clash with Chelsea.
The Magpies welcome Enzo Maresca’s side to St James’ Park on Sunday, as Newcastle United prepare to face Chelsea in a Champions League decider.
It is Newcastle’s biggest game of the season, other than the Carabao Cup final, with Eddie Howe’s side set to be roared on by a capacity crowd. Howe knows the Newcastle fans can help his team, as they aim to take a giant step towards Champions League qualification.
A win will put the Magpies on the brink, with Chris Sutton predicting a Newcastle victory.
Paul Merson predicts Newcastle United vs Chelsea
That is a view shared by Paul Merson, who is backing Newcastle United to beat Chelsea as part of his Premier League predictions for Sportskeeda.
“What an exciting football match,” Merson said.
“Chelsea have hit a bit of form lately so this is a hard one to call. But I still have to go with Newcastle here. I just think home advantage will be a massive factor in this game. St James’ Park will be rocking and when you look at it, Newcastle are flying at home, winning each of their last four games.
“Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo playing as the double pivot against Liverpool added some bite to Chelsea’s midfield. I know Liverpool were not at their best after the title celebrations, but that was still a good performance from the Chelsea duo. Cole Palmer tucking away the penalty in the end will also be a huge psychological boost for him.
“If I’m not mistaken, Chelsea haven’t won at this ground for three or four years now! I’d be shocked if Chelsea got anything from this game. If Aston Villa fail to win this weekend, Chelsea wouldn’t mind losing against Newcastle.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if Newcastle make a late push to finish second either. I don’t expect Arsenal to beat Liverpool and if Newcastle can win this game and beat the Gunners next week, they can go above Mikel Arteta’s men!”
Merson’s prediction: Newcastle United 2 Chelsea 1
Newcastle United can put serious pressure on Arsenal
While Newcastle United’s main aim is to just finish in the top five and qualify for the Champions League, they will have their eye on overtaking Arsenal and possibly finishing second.
The Gunners begin the weekend four points ahead of Newcastle, as they prepare to face Liverpool at Anfield.
Newcastle can close the gap to one point with a win against Chelsea, with Howe’s side set to play a few hours before Mikel Arteta’s team.
If Arsenal fail to win and Newcastle are victorious, the Magpies can leapfrog them next week.
That is because Newcastle travel to the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal next Sunday.
While Newcastle have a great chance to finish above Arsenal in the Premier League, they will also need Manchester City to drop points to get as high as second. They are currently one point above Newcastle.
Pep Guardiola’s side are away to Southampton on Saturday, before facing Bournemouth and Fulham in their remaining fixtures.
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