For the first time in what feels like forever, Chelsea FC are underdogs to Newcastle United. It wasn’t too long ago that the Magpies were relegated, and just last year, they were spending a significant portion of the season hovering around the drop zone. Meanwhile Chelsea, winners of Europe in total in 2021, are now currently below even the Europa League qualification line.
Nathaniel Hawthorne famously said that family fortunes are always rising and falling in America. The same can be said of billionaire boys club owned Premier League clubs in England. Let’s preview this sliding doors match-up of two ultra-wealthy clubs.
Chelsea FC vs Newcastle United FYIs
Kick: Saturday, 12 November 2022 5:30PM, Stamford Bridge, London.
Chelsea Team News: go here
After Extra Time Pod: Apple Spotify
Premier League Position: Chelsea 7th, Newcastle 3rd
Form Guide: Chelsea LLDDW Newcastle WWWWL
Google Result Probability: Chelsea 31% Newcastle 41% Draw 28%
Graham Potter got off to a really strong start as Blues boss, but even he can’t fix all that ails Chelsea. This is a club in need of a major roster makeover, and some tough times are likely ahead.
Chelsea FC Starting XI Prediction vs Newcastle United
Mendy; Azpilicueta, Chalobah, T Silva, Cucurella; Loftus-Cheek, Kovacic; Sterling, Havertz, Mount; Aubameyang
Newcastle United 1, Chelsea FC 0
Look for the Geordies to take this one, and when they do, it will be anything but an upset.
Paul M. Banks is the Owner/Manager of The Sports Bank and author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” as well as “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He has regularly contributed to WGN News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune, and he co-hosts the After Extra Time podcast. Follow him and the website on Twitter and Instagram.