Prediction and odds for the game: Chelsea (2/9) vs Newcastle (11/1)
We are backing under 2.5 goals scored at odds of 6/5
When: Monday, 15th February 2021, Kick-off 20:00
Where: Stamford Bridge
On Monday night, Chelsea host Newcastle at Stamford Bridge, as the Blues look to gain an advantage on their rivals in the race for the top-four in the Premier League.
Chelsea
The Blues results have inevitable improved since the appointment of highly-rated German head coach Thomas Tuchel. A three-game winning run in the top-flight has moved them up to fifth-place in the Premier League table, just a point behind fourth-place Liverpool. However, this is the home team’s game in hand on the struggling champions, so they are in a decent position in that top-four race.
One notable facet of Chelsea’s game that has improved since Tuchel’s arrival has been their defensive displays, as the Blues have conceded just once in their four top-flight games under the former PSG boss. Those defensive improvements have contributed to their recent league games being low-scoring, with under 2.5 goals scored in five of their last six Premier League games.
The Blues usual solid home form has been slightly unconvincing of late, as they have won just one of their previous four league matches at Stamford Bridge. However, that win was in their last home game in the league against Burnley in a 2-0 win.
Newcastle
The team from the north east are 17th place in the Premier League table but are ten points clear of 18th place Fulham, who visit top-four chasing Everton on Sunday night. Steve Bruce’s team seem relatively comfortable, despite their lowly position in the table. However, everybody connected with the Magpies will be looking for an improvement in results in the coming months to avoid getting sucked closer to the relegation zone.
The visitors have won just two of their previous 12 matches in the Premier League. However, both of those wins have come in their last two outings. The appointment of Graeme Jones on the visitors coaching staff has reportedly helped the team achieve better results.
Newcastle have a poor recent away record in the Premier League. There was a positive in their last away game in the top-flight, though, as the Magpies recorded a shock 2-0 win at Everton. The win ended a five-match losing streak on their travels for Bruce’s team. The game also ended an away match drought in the league for the visitors, as they had previously failed to score in four straight games on their travels in the top-flight.
Conclusion
The way Chelsea have been playing of late, it seems that this game is very unlikely to finish in anything other than a home win. However, the home win does not offer great odds. Instead, we are focusing on the goals market once again. Chelsea’s games have been relatively low-scoring of late and Newcastle will sit back, so we are backing under 2.5 goals.
The other bet we are backing is Timo Werner to be an anytime goalscorer. The former RB Leipzig forward has looked more lively in recent games, producing three assists in his last two top-flight appearances. We are backing him to become an anytime goalscorer.
Verdict: We are backing under 2.5 goals scored at 6/5 and/or Timo Werner to an anytime goalscorer at evens. (All odds are taken from Bet365).
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Can Chelsea continue their good form under Thomas Tuchel?
