Antonio Conte will be hoping he can continue his impressive record in cup competitions as Chelsea boss as he welcomes Rafa Benitez’s beleaguered Newcastle to Stamford Bridge. The Blues are still fighting on four fronts and last season’s finalists will be eager to go one better this term whilst the Toon are in search of their first major honour for over 50 years.
English FA Cup – Chelsea v Newcastle United – Stamford Bridge, London – Sunday 28th January 2018 – 13:30 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 18/5 at Skybet |
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Chelsea
Newcastle UnitedChelsea
Antonio Conte’s Blues continue to disappoint in their title defence and currently find themselves 15 points behind runaway leaders Manchester City in the Premier League. They are still fighting on four fronts though and are a game away from Wembley, with Arsenal up next in the Carabao Cup and Barcelona on the horizon in the Champions League. Alvaro Morata has struggled in recent weeks and remains on 12 goals in all competitions this season for the Blues as speculation grows that the Blues hope to sign a striker soon.
Newcastle United
The Toon have lacked consistency all season and as a result find themselves in 15th place in the Premier League table – 3 points above the dreaded drop zone. 23 points from 24 games isn’t the return Rafa Benitez would have hoped for but with limited funds to spend and boardroom unrest plaguing the club, the Toon are currently prioritising Premier League safety so could see this game as a free hit. Goals have been very hard to come by for the Magpies this season although Jacob Murphy opened his account for the club last weekend against Manchester City.
Head to Head
Chelsea boss the head to head record between the two sides leading by 70 wins to 52 with another 39 games ending in draws. The sides last met back in early December with Newcastle taking the lead through Dwight Gayle before a Eden Hazard brace and an Alvaro Morata strike put pay to the Toon in a 3-1 win.
Chelsea v Newcastle United – Betting Odds and Predictions
Chelsea have a very strong home defensive record but Newcastle are starting to score more often on the road too.
Both teams to score – YES – looks a good bet at 1/1 with William Hill.
Eden Hazard has been in fine form this season – scoring 11 goals in all competitions.
Eden Hazard to score anytime represents good value at 17/20 with Unibet.
Newcastle have shipped 34 goals in the Premier League this season and haven’t kept a clean sheet since New Year’s Day.
Over 2.5 goals in the game is an excellent punt at 8/11 with PaddyPower.
Chelsea scored 4 goals against Brighton last time out and look to be returning to form.
Chelsea to score 3+ goals looks good value at 13/8 with Coral.
Score Prediction
Chelsea 3 – 1 Newcastle United – 12/1 with BetVictor
Top Betting Tip Chelsea v Newcastle United
Both sides will rotate with the Premier League being the priority but Chelsea should have too much quality in what should be an entertaining game. Chelsea to win the match and Eden Hazard to score anytime looks a great bet – as a double – at 2.45 with Coral.