The Dugout Discussion – Chelsea v Newcastle United

Saturday’s swansong fixture finds Chelsea and Newcastle colliding at Stamford Bridge. The Blues are unbeaten under the tenure (nine matches) of Guus Hiddink, while the Magpies tasted defeat in their last four road clashes.

Chelsea haven’t won at Stamford Bridge in four home outings and rank second with regards to goals conceded on home soil (20), which will be of concern to Fantasy managers who have recruited from their rearguard. On the flip side, the Londoners place joint-fifth for goals scored in home encounters (21) and have netted 11 goals in their previous five meeting at SW6, which bodes well for their attacking prospects.

The Toon have been abysmal on their travels this season, mustering just six goals in 12 match-ups. Nonetheless, Steve McClaren’s troops ranked third for shots on target (22) over the last four Gameweeks and bested West Bromwich Albion last time out, so they arrive at this head-to-head with decent momentum. Those managers hoping for Newcastle’s second clean sheet on the bounce will be wary that the Tynesiders chart joint-third for goals conceded in road ties (26).