Predictions - Newcastle United and Chelsea face ‘serious pressure’ for Champions League

The experts are backing a narrow Newcastle United victory against Chelsea at St James’ Park. Billed as a potential decider for Champions League football, both clubs are level on points and goal difference ahead of tomorrow’s clash.

Newcastle have three consecutive home victories over the Blues but tasted defeat at Stamford Bridge in October. Three points would make the Magpies a whisker away from a top-five finish and returning to UEFA’s top table next season.

Nerves are jangling around Tyneside ahead of a bizarre 12pm kick-off time. If supporters need any saving grace, they should know that the pundits are on their side.

NewcastleWorld has profiled their predictions before Chelsea arrive for a winner-takes-all decider. Few would argue against this result at the full-time whistle…

Chris Sutton

“It's great to see two teams going head-to-head in this race for the top five and Chelsea probably come into it in better form after getting a great result against Liverpool on Sunday,” he told BBC Sport. “Yes, they were playing straight after Liverpool had won the title and the Reds had probably been celebrating all week, but they still had to put them away and they did that convincingly.

“It means Enzo Maresca's side have won their past three league games so they will be full of confidence ahead of this one, but it's going to be tough for them to extend that run. We know Maresca is a stickler for playing out from the back, but doing that against Newcastle is asking for trouble. The Magpies will put them under serious pressure, because that's what they do to teams at St James' Park.

“Newcastle have got a very physical midfield which might be where the battle is won and lost, and of course Alexander Isak is such a threat too. Chelsea have got match-winners too, if Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke are firing, and my first thought was that there will be lots of goals in this game.

“With what's at stake, though, it might be a little cagier than that. I think the BBC readers will go for a draw but I am going to stick my neck out and say Newcastle will edge it.”

Prediction: Newcastle United 2-1 Chelsea

Paul Merson

“What an exciting football match,” Merson wrote in his SportsKeeda column. "Chelsea have hit a bit of form lately so this is a hard one to call. But I still have to go with Newcastle here. I just think home advantage will be a massive factor in this game. St James’ Park will be rocking and when you look at it, Newcastle are flying at home, winning each of their last four games.

“If I’m not mistaken, Chelsea haven’t won at this ground for three or four years now! I’d be shocked if Chelsea got anything from this game. If Aston Villa fail to win this weekend, Chelsea wouldn’t mind losing against Newcastle.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if Newcastle make a late push to finish second either. I don’t expect Arsenal to beat Liverpool and if Newcastle can win this game and beat the Gunners next week, they can go above Mikel Arteta’s men!”

Prediction: Newcastle United 2-1 Chelsea

Mark Lawrenson

“This is another huge game and what a nice, easy, trip it will be for the Chelsea fans popping up to Newcastle for midday on a Sunday!” he told Paddy Power. “Chelsea played on Thursday and changed everyone but, Newcastle, I just really like this team and how they go about it.

Prediction: Newcastle 2-1 Chelsea

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