Newcastle United supporters will love Premier League decision ahead of Chelsea clash
Newcastle United’s Premier League clash against Chelsea this Sunday is the definition of a six-pointer.
In the race for Champions League qualification, Newcastle or Chelsea can take a big step towards achieving that with three points at St James’ Park.
There has been little to separate the two clubs this campaign, with only goal scores putting the Magpies above the Blues as both points (63) and goal difference (+21) are the same.
Eddie Howe’s side were held to a 1-1 draw at Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend before Chelsea capitalised to beat newly-crowned Premier League champions Liverpool 3-1 at Stamford Bridge.
This weekend’s meeting at St James’ Park was always going to be intriguing but perhaps even more so now. When pressure is high, calm heads are required.
Premier League confirm referee for Newcastle United v Chelsea
The referee, as ever, will have an important role to play. The Premier League has assigned John Brooks and if this season is anything to go by, then it is a good omen for Newcastle United.
All three of Brooks’ games in charge of the Magpies have ended in wins, two of which have come against Arsenal. Newcastle beat the Gunners 1-0 at St James’ Park in the Premier League in November before winning 2-0 at the Emirates in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi.
Two big victories, but nothing compared to Brooks’ last game when United beat Liverpool 2-1 at Wembley to lift the Carabao Cup and end their 70-year domestic trophy drought.
If that weren’t encouraging enough, then perhaps Chelsea’s record when Brooks is in the middle is. Three games... three losses away to Liverpool, Ipswich Town and Manchester City.
Dan Burn: Chelsea game is a cup final
Dan Burn knows all about scoring in a cup final, having opened the scoring against the Reds. And the Blyth-born defender believes the visit of Chelsea has a similar feel.
United lost 2-1 in the reverse Premier League meeting at Stamford Bridge in October but gained instant revenge a few days later, winning 2-0 on Tyneside in the Carabao Cup.
“As long as we’re picking up points and ticking over, that’s what you want,” Burn told NewcastleWorld after the Brighton draw. “We’re always quite a positive group who believe what the gaffer is doing. We always feel like we’re mentally where we want to be.
“It is a cup final really - it’s huge. I never really worry about us mentally going into those games, playing at home in front of the crowd knowing they’ll be buzzing for it as well.”