The Blues are playing well but are at serious risk of slipping against a tough Newcastle team.
Chelsea are on a hot-streak. The West London side are unbeaten in 21 competitive fixtures this season, and have won 12 of their 15 Premier League fixtures.
But the Blues face a huge test against Newcastle tomorrow, and could easily drop at least two points.
Here’s why Chelsea’s record is at risk tomorrow:
SEE MORE:
Manchester United Flop’s Loan Move Cut
Chelsea Legend Eidur Gudjohnsen Joins Bolton
Arsenal & Chelsea In Competition To Sign French Midfield Powerhouse This January
Nemanja Matic’s absence
Chelsea’s performance will come down to how they deal with Nemanja Matic’s absence. The Serb picked up his fifth yellow card against Tottenham, and is suspended for the game at St James’ Park.
Chelsea have two possible replacements for Matic in Jon Obi Mikel and Ramires. The problem is that neither of them are capable of doing the midfielder’s job in the same way.
Jon Obi Mikel is a capable defender, and has the same strength and coolness in possession that Matic has; while Ramires has the energy and ability to burst forward. Neither of them has both, which is why the Serbian international’s arrival has been so important to Chelsea over the last 12 months.
Mourinho will probably pick Mikel alongside Fabregas in Matic’s position, but may well select Ramires on the right instead of Willian, in case the game descends into a physical battle similar to last year’s encounter.
Chelsea’s poor goalscoring on the road
Chelsea have drawn 3 of their last 5 away games, and this can be attributed to their surprising inability to score away from Stamford Bridge. In those five matches, the Blues have scored just six goals.
For such a dominant side, Chelsea often struggle to convert chances into goals, with Eden Hazard and Willian particularly guilty of wastefulness.
This inefficiency away from home makes them very vulnerable to a shock loss, especially if they retreat deep late on, as they did against Manchester City and Manchester United.
Even Sunderland, with the score at 0-0, had plenty of chances to nick the game last weekend, and Newcastle, with the pace of Ayoze Perez up front, will be a real threat on the break.
Newcastle’s defensive solidity
Not only do Chelsea struggle to score away from Stamford Bridge, but Newcastle also have a particularly mean defensive record. The Magpies have conceded just three goals in their last eight matches.
Fabricio Coloccino has been in excellent form this season, as has Mike Williamson and young Mike Dummett. Daryl Janmaat has been one of the signings of the season, and will relish the test against Eden Hazard tomorrow.
Newcastle’s excellent record against Chelsea
Newcastle have won their last two games at St James’ Park against Chelsea, and have also beaten the Blues at the Bridge in recent seasons.
Two seasons ago Moussa Sissoko scored twice on his Newcastle debut to condemn Rafael Benitez’s Chelsea to defeat; and last season the West London side were bullied to a 2-0 loss in a feisty affair, featuring a goal from Loic Remy, now playing for the Blues.