Former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton does not expect the Blues to come away from Newcastle with anything on Saturday afternoon.
Enzo Maresca’s side arrive at St James’ Park after back-to-back wins over Everton in the Premier League and Cardiff City in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
Newcastle were also in League Cup action in midweek, knocking Fulham out at the quarter-final stage, but have not been in great form in general.
The victory over the Cottagers was a boost after a woeful performance in defeat to Sunderland in their previous outing.
However, Sutton fancies the Magpies to down the Blues on Saturday lunchtime, pointing to the recent history between the sides at St James’ Park.
Chelsea’s last four trips to Newcastle, in all competitions, have ended in defeat, with their last victory under Thomas Tuchel in 2021.
Maresca took his side to St James’ twice last season and both games ended 2-0 to the home side.
Despite injury concerns for Newcastle, Sutton expects them to keep up their recent success at home against the west London outfit.
Sutton’s score prediction
Sutton told the BBC, as he predicted a 2-1 home win: ‘Both teams won in the Carabao Cup in midweek, but it feels like Newcastle’s squad is being stretched more at the moment.
‘There is a worry for Chelsea too, though, in terms of what is happening with Enzo Maresca. He is obviously unhappy about something, and if there is some sort of infighting going on, or if he feels he is not being backed properly, then that does not bode well regardless of what happens on the pitch.
‘I certainly don’t think Maresca’s issues are with his team’s performances. His side are very principled in the way they play and they will cause Newcastle problems.
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‘I am still going to go with the Magpies to win it, though. I usually back them at home anyway, but this is prediction is mainly based on Chelsea’s recent record at St James’ Park, which is poor – they have not got anything there since 2021.’
Injury problems for Newcastle and Chelsea
Chelsea will be without Estevao, Liam Delap, Romeo Lavia and Levi Colwill for the trip north.
Newcastle are dealing with a string of injuries, especially in defence, where Dan Burn, Tino Livramento, Kieran Trippier, Emil Krafth, Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles are all out.
Lewis Hall and Nick Pope are doubts, but could play on Saturday, while Yoane Wissa is available after his goal-scoring return to fitness against Fulham.
‘He played very well. His movement was excellent and his fitness was very good,’ said Howe of the summer signing from Brentford. ‘He played longer than we had planned as he wanted to stay on and score more goals. It was a really good start for him.’