Sunday’s Premier League motion begins with an enormous sport within the gripping battle for Champions League qualification.
It’s fourth in opposition to fifth as Newcastle welcome Chelsea to St. James’ Park, with either side trying to seize the initiative of their push for a top-five Premier League end.
Looking forward to this key encounter on Tyneside, right here’s our fact- and stat-packed preview…
Newcastle v Chelsea (Sunday, 12pm)
Dan Burn was among the many goalscorers as Newcastle beat Ipswich 3-0 of their final residence sport (Picture credit score: Alamy)
There might hardly be much less to separate Newcastle and Chelsea forward of this crunch conflict. Not solely are the edges stage on 63 factors, however in addition they have the identical aim distinction (21). Newcastle are solely forward within the desk by advantage of getting scored 66 targets – the third-most within the Premier League after Liverpool (81) and Manchester Metropolis (67) to Chelsea’s 62.
Regardless of the consequence within the North East, it might have monumental implications on the race for Europe, with Nottingham Forest – who sit two factors additional again in sixth – internet hosting rivals Leicester instantly after. If both Newcastle or Chelsea win, Forest will go into that sport realizing victory will take them again into the highest 5.
The Magpies entertain the Blues having received seven and drawn one among their final 9 video games in all competitions. Eddie Howe’s facet drew 1-1 away to Brighton final outing however have received 5 on the bounce at residence within the Premier League, racking up 18 targets within the course of.
Cole Palmer rounded off Chelsea’s 3-1 win over Liverpool final Sunday by scoring from the penalty spot (Picture credit score: Alamy)
As for the guests, they head to the North East after making it 5 straight wins by beating Djurgarden 1-0 (5-1 on combination) to achieve the Convention League last. Enzo Maresca’s males additionally got here out on prime in October’s reverse fixture in opposition to Newcastle, when targets from Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer clinched a 2-1 success at Stamford Bridge.
In a means, a draw could be the perfect consequence for either side – it will put them three factors away from Forest, whose aim distinction is 9 worse because it stands – however neither would accept that consequence, you’re feeling, particularly with Newcastle nonetheless having to go to Arsenal and Chelsea internet hosting Forest on the ultimate day of the season.
