Chelsea and Newcastle United are set for an electrifying Carabao Cup clash on Wednesday as the Blues head to St James’ Park aiming for another victory in the competition.
This follows their recent Premier League win over the Magpies, where Chelsea triumphed 2-1 at Stamford Bridge.
With Chelsea riding on strong form, and Newcastle’s lineup weakened by injuries, this encounter will be a vital test for both sides.
Jambobet, the top choice for Carabao Cup betting insights, suggests Chelsea could edge past Newcastle with their superior squad depth.
Chelsea’s Form and Recent Performances
The blues comes into the Carabao Cup fourth round on the back of an impressive run, with only one defeat in their last ten outings across all competitions.
Their recent 2-1 win over Newcastle in the Premier League has pushed the Blues up to fifth place, and Enzo Maresca’s squad has shown marked improvement under his guidance.
Chelsea’s high spirits are evident as they’ve grown more cohesive on the field, driven by a blend of fresh talents and experienced players.
Their solid performance in both the domestic league and European competitions has positioned them as favorites for this Carabao Cup tie.
Maresca has nearly a full roster at his disposal, allowing him to experiment with an alternate lineup without sacrificing quality. This depth is likely to be a significant advantage against a Newcastle side hampered by injuries.
The blues’ offensive firepower, led by players like Christopher Nkunku, Joao Felix, and Mykhailo Mudryk, will look to dismantle Newcastle’s defense and dominate possession.
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Newcastle’s Recent Struggles and Injury Concerns
Newcastle, meanwhile, face a tougher road ahead in this fixture, given their current injury woes. They come into this match on the back of a loss to Chelsea and are reeling from a string of absences that have affected their consistency.
Anthony Gordon’s recent groin injury is a significant concern, as he has been instrumental in the Magpies’ recent performances. Although there’s a chance he might feature on Wednesday, his full return is uncertain.
Defensively, Eddie Howe has additional concerns as Jamaal Lascelles, Sven Botman, and Kieran Trippier are all expected to miss the game. Without these key defenders, Newcastle will likely struggle to contain the blues’ attacking threats. Howe’s options up front are also limited with Callum Wilson’s ongoing absence, which means Alexander Isak may have to shoulder the attacking responsibilities once again.
Despite these challenges, Newcastle’s resilience and home advantage could create an interesting dynamic. The passionate St James’ Park crowd often plays a crucial role, spurring their side to produce some memorable performances on their turf.
Predicted Lineups
Newcastle United Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):
- Goalkeeper: Odysseas Vlachodimos
- Defense: Livramento, Schar, Kelly, Hall
- Midfield: Longstaff, Guimaraes, Willock
- Attack: Murphy, Isak, Barnes
Howe may choose to keep his midfield lineup stable to maintain some structure in their play, but with injuries limiting his options, Newcastle could struggle against Chelsea’s dynamic lineup.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):
- Goalkeeper: Filip Jorgensen
- Defense: Disasi, Tosin, Veiga, Cucurella
- Midfield: Fernandez, Dewsbury-Hall
- Attack: Sancho, Felix, Mudryk; Nkunku
With the blues’ enviable squad depth, Maresca has the option to rest some key players while still fielding an impressive lineup. Nkunku, Felix, and Mudryk will likely be Chelsea’s main attacking threats, supported by Fernandez in midfield. This setup promises attacking prowess and fluidity, giving Chelsea an edge over a depleted Newcastle side.
Match Predictions and Key Factors
The blues’ recent form and Newcastle’s injuries tip the scales in favor of the Blues. However, the outcome might still depend on factors like the effectiveness of Newcastle’s defensive structure and how Howe organizes his midfield to counter Chelsea’s aggressive style. If Newcastle can rally and contain Chelsea’s attacks, they could make this an exciting contest.
Still, Chelsea’s advantage lies in their offense. With players like Nkunku and Felix in fine form, the blues have the potential to break down Newcastle’s backline. Jadon Sancho and Mykhailo Mudryk have also been impressive, bringing speed and creativity to Chelsea’s wings. It’s this combination of attacking depth that could prove too much for Newcastle to handle over 90 minutes.
Score Prediction: Newcastle 1-2 Chelsea
Jambobet, widely regarded as the top betting prediction platform for Carabao Cup insights, backs Chelsea to secure a narrow win. While the Magpies will have their moments, Chelsea’s superior lineup and attacking options should see them advance.
