I’m going to be forced to watch this game tonight, two clubs without a soul, one can play football and the other is Newcastle. Should be great, I very rarely drink but I’ve had a can of Guinness in the fridge since Xmas that I might have to open to get me through this one!
Newcastle could be the worst team to watch in the Premier League, and without Callum Wilson, they’ll definitely go all out defence to try to snatch a draw, there are rumours that they’ll play Ryan Fraser up front in Wilson’s place, as opposed to playing an actual striker in that position, it’ll be some rotating front 3 of Saint-Maximin, Almiron and Fraser would be my best guess, the false 9’s and 10’s “Brucie” loves so much.
I can see them playing 5 at the back, without having the majority of their defence fit and available, 4 in midfield and Saint-Maximim up top with Almiron and Fraser the only players allowed to go past half way.
And that will work for maybe half an hour, but when Chelsea inevitably score then there will be no plan B, no reshuffle just hope to keep the score down, Fulham beating Everton meaning that Newcastle are only 7 points above the relegation zone, and Fulham have favourable games up next where as Newcastle go to Old Trafford then home to Wolves before a must and I repeat must win game away at West Brom, they need to pick up more than one win every 10 games. They’re relegation fodder sleep waking towards another one.
Chelsea have conceded one goal in 5 games since Thomas Tuchel came in as manager, they’d have to be desperately unlucky to concede tonight. They’ve got the better team, the better manager, I don’t see how Newcastle can win tonight and i support them!
If I wasn’t a fan I’d not watch this for all the tea in China but I’m going to have another evening ruined when Newcastle games should be entertaining. They have the players to entertain, they have the players to be more than relegation fodder, but they’ve shot themselves in the foot, with Bruce and his prehistoric methods and lack of tactical awareness do more harm than good.
Chelsea will win so if you’re thinking of watching this and expect to have a good time, do something more productive like staring at the nearest wall for two hours.
Cheers, The Fat Man
Fat Lad Sports 