We’re one matchday down in the Premier League Summer Series, with the second round of fixtures on the horizon.
Chelsea and Newcastle lock horns in Atlanta on Wednesday night as both clubs go in search of topping the summer table. The Blues have impressed in pre-season so far following the arrival of new manager Mauricio Pochettino, while Newcastle embarked on a topsy-turvy opening encounter of their US tour.
The Magpies rallied in the second half to earn a 3-3 draw against Aston Villa, with Chelsea’s summer form suggesting they’ll need to improve if they’re to enjoy success against the Blues. Poch’s side beat Brighton 4-3 in their opening Summer Series encounter.
Here’s our preview of the upcoming encounter.
Chelsea vs Newcastle H2H record (Last Five Games)
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Country |
TV channel / Live stream |
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United Kingdom |
Sky Ultra HD, Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League |
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United States |
Peacock Premium |
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Canada |
fuboTV |
An illness has rendered Reece James a doubt for the upcoming clash with Malo Gusto set to earn another start at right-back after impressing against Brighton.
Thiago Silva and Trevoh Chalobah should start at the heart of Pochettino’s defence with both Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile absent.
Mykhailo Mudryk will fancy earning a start after scoring his first Chelsea goal last time out, while Nicolas Jackson is a sure bet to lead the Blues’ line with Armando Broja missing.
Chelsea predicted lineup vs Newcastle (4-2-3-1): Arrizabalaga, Gusto, Silva, Chalobah, Hall; Fernandez, Gallagher; Sterling, Chukwuemeka, Mudryk; Jackson.
The Magpies will be without starting goalkeeper Nick Pope for Wednesday night’s game so Loris Karius should deputise between the sticks.
Joe Willock is also out injured with a hamstring problem, but Eddie Howe should be able to deploy a strong starting midfield trio of Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, and Sandro Tonali.
Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson should both be a part of Newcastle‘s front three.
Newcastle predicted lineup vs Chelsea (4-3-3): Karius; Trippier; Schar, Botman, Burn; Tonali, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Almiron, Isak, Wilson.
Poch’s influence on this Chelsea squad is already clear and the Blues are playing with a ton of swagger out in the States. Newcastle, on the contrary, haven’t purred to the extent of their 2022/23 apex and are perhaps still trying to find their groove out in the States.
Goals should be in order in Atlanta, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the spoils shared.
Prediction: Chelsea 2-2 Newcastle
