BBC pundit predicts Chelsea v Newcastle United

Follow us on Google Discover

Newcastle United travel to face Chelsea on Saturday afternoon.

Pundit Mark Lawrenson has told BBC Sport that he thinks Chelsea will beat Newcastle United 2-0 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon.

Hosts Chelsea head into the game having sneaked a 1-0 win over Swansea City in midweek, with Antonio Rudiger’s header handing them a narrow victory against a side who came to frustrate at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea’s recent form has been impressive, but they are 11 points behind league leaders Manchester City, and must win on Saturday to keep up their hopes of chasing down City and retaining the Premier League title.

Antonio Conte’s men just came through against the defensive Swans on Wednesday night, and will face a similar challenge against Newcastle United on Saturday afternoon.

The Magpies had lost four games in a row at the hands of Burnley, Bournemouth, Manchester United and Watford before coming from 2-0 down to grab a 2-2 draw at West Brom on Tuesday night.

Former Chelsea boss Rafael Benitez will be pleased with how his side fought back at The Hawthorns, and will now be attempting to devise a plan to come away from Stamford Bridge with points.

Pundit Mark Lawrenson has now told BBC Sport that he was impressed with Newcastle’s fightback at West Brom, suggesting it will feel like a win – but he feels Saturday’s trip to Chelsea will be much tougher.

Lawrenson believes that Chelsea will manage to break down a defensive Newcastle side at Stamford Bridge, backing the hosts to claim a 2-0 victory.

“I was impressed by the way Newcastle came from 2-0 down to get a point against West Brom on Tuesday – especially because the Magpies had lost their previous four games,” said Lawrenson. “Rafa Benitez’s side will feel like they won that game, but following that by getting something at Stamford Bridge will be a huge ask.”

“Chelsea did not play well against Swansea on Wednesday but they still got the win in the end, against a side who defend in numbers. I think they will do the same on Saturday too,” he added.