Chelsea’s hopes of joining next season’s UEFA Champions League are going to be determined this Sunday at St. James’ Park, Tyne in the UK in the last day of the 2017-18 Premier League campaign. A win would get Chelsea into the top four, while a loss or a draw would leave them with a consolation spot in the Europa League.
The Blues have every motivation in the world to lay it all out this Sunday, as a loss or a tie won’t cut it for them if they have any plans of getting into the league table’s top four. If anything, Chelsea own the psychological advantage in this match having beaten Newcastle at home 3-1 back in December. In that match, Chelsea fed off their possession dominance, as they held the ball 65% of the time leading to 23 shots on goal as against Newcastle’s total of eight. The Blues definitely have the edge on offense as they are sixth in the EPL with 62 goals, while Newcastle United have netted just 36. Eden Hazard, who scored two goals in the win over Newcastle United in December, leads the team with 12 goals while Alvaro Morata has 11.
Betting on Newcastle United (+0.5 , +1)
Whatever happens this Sunday, Newcastle United are going to be safe from relegation and won’t be headed to the next edition of the UEFA Champions League or the Europa League next season either. That said, who wants to end a season on a losing note? That’s where Newcastle United will draw their desire to win not to mention they will be playing at home pitch. The Magpies haven’t won a game in a while, as they have dropped each of their last four matches, including a 1-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur in an away match on May 9. Rafael Benitez’s men will have to pick up their offense after scoring just one goal over their losing streak. Perez leads the team with six goals, while Dwight Gayle, who scored the Magpies’ only goal in the first meeting with Chelsea, is second with five.
Writer’s Prediction
Chelsea wins 3-1, making their way to the UEFA Champions League.
