Mourinho set for another frustrating Tyneside trip
TO SAY that this has been one of the more bizarre Premier League seasons in recent times is something of an understatement.
The fact that Newcastle were sat in fourth place with a negative goal difference just two weeks ago attests to that, especially when you consider how their season started.
Having won just five league games from 25 throughout 2014, it seemed that the writing was on the wall for manager Alan Pardew.
After a watershed first win of the season in mid-October, they proceeded to go on a five-game winning streak, claiming scalps against Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester City, and rocketing up the table.
They play host to league leaders Chelsea in tomorrow’s early kick off, a match which might have seemed a cake-walk for the visitors two months ago, but now has a very different complexion.
Jose Mourinho’s side have established a six point lead at the top but spluttered at the weekend, held 0-0 away to Sunderland. I’ve got a feeling it might well be another frustrating trip to the North East this weekend.
Looking at the Blues’ home and away form, it’s their incredible record at Stamford Bridge which has set them apart from the pack.
They’ve won all seven games in front of their own fans, conceding just three, but have drawn three of their seven on the road, conceding eight. Admittedly, it’s still not a record to be sniffed at, but if Chelsea are to slip up anywhere this year, it will be on their travels.
They’ve lost their last two visits to St. James’ Park, and I would advise selling Chelsea’s supremacy at a reasonable 1.1 with Sporting Index. This gives you room to turn a profit even if they run out winners on the day, provided it’s by a margin of a single goal.
There’s certainly reason to be confident that this won’t turn into a goal-fest. The Magpies have conceded just three times in their last eight games, and when you factor together the Magpies’ paltry 15 league goals scored with Chelsea’s miserly 11 conceded, selling match goals at 2.6 looks worthwhile.
■ Pointers…
Sell Chelsea’s supremacy at 1.1 with Sporting Index
Sell total goals at 2.6 with Sporting Index