Michael Owen predicts Chelsea v Newcastle United FA Cup tie

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Antonio Conte’s Chelsea and Rafael Benitez’s Newcastle United will face each other in the FA Cup this weekend.

Michael Owen has predicted on Betvictor.com that Newcastle United will lose to Chelsea in the FA Cup this weekend.

The Magpies will take on Premier League rivals Chelsea away from home at Stamford Bridge in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Sunday afternoon.

Former Newcastle and Liverpool striker Owen, who now works as a pundit for BT Sport, has backed the Blues to win the tie against Rafael Benitez’s side.

Owen wrote on Betvictor.com: “Newcastle have not reached the fifth round since 2006 and I cannot see the Magpies getting a result at Stamford Bridge at the weekend.

“The Blues have reached the fifth Round in 17 of the last 19 seasons and I expect Antonio Conte’s side to win a low-scoring affair on Sunday.

“Newcastle entertain Burnley in the Premier League on Wednesday and it would be no surprise to see Rafa Benitez prioritise three points against the Clarets over the FA Cup.”

A footnote added: “Tip: Chelsea to win and under 2.5 goals at 12/5.”

Chelsea have a much better team than Newcastle do, and it is hard to see the Blues even drawing at Stamford Bridge against the Magpies.

Even if Chelsea manager Antonio Conte makes changes to his starting lineup, as he is likely to do, the London club should still have enough to get the better of the Magpies.

Newcastle are in genuine danger of getting relegated to the Championship at the end of the season, and manager Benitez is unlikely to give too much importance to the FA Cup.