Newcastle v Chelsea preview

Ian Noble - 3 Apr 2009

First, it was Kevin Keegan, now Alan Shearer has arrived at St James’ Park to the widespread acclaim of the Toon Army. The former Magpies striker has eight games to save the club from relegation, and the bookies have cut their odds from 5/1 to 9/2 (bet365) that the team get off to a winning start under their interim manager. They could be playing Chelsea at a good time, with most of the Blues team (and their manager!) having gone away on international duty, although it should be remembered that the Tyneside club have won just four of their fifteen matches at St James’ Park this season.

Guus Hiddink’s team boast the best away record in the division, having landed ten away wins this term. However, the Dutchman will be without the injured Nicolas Anelka for this game, so it’s questionable whether they should be 4/6 chances (Blue Square). Totesport actually go 8/15 that Chelsea stay in the title race by bagging all three points, although it’s the draw price (14/5 William Hill) that perhaps makes the most appeal. The Blues were defeated by Spurs last time out and the ‘new manager’ factor might just mean that the home side punch above their weight in this game. Michael Owen is almost certain to start and is available at 8/1 (Boylesports) to open the scoring.








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