Chelsea faces struggling Newcastle at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea vs. Newcastle is a match for this Sunday, day 27th of October, in the 9th round of the Premier League. Two teams that are living different moments of the season face off, with the expectation of a tense and decisive Stamford Bridge. While the Blues want to firm up their recovery, the Magpies want to return to victories after a dry spell in front of goal.

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Chelsea On The Rise But Facing Challenges

Chelsea had been showing some signs of improvement. Even after the 2-1 loss to Liverpool at Anfield on the 20th, the Blues have shown they're getting closer to finding their best lineup. It looks like coach Enzo Maresca has fitted the pieces together to create a team that's slowly gaining consistency and confidence on the pitch.

This home fixture against Newcastle carries with it a very good omen, inasmuch as in the last 11 matches at Stamford Bridge against the Tynesiders, Chelsea have been victorious 10 times and drawn once, which translates to a goal difference of 25-6. Such a record gives the fans every reason to go into this tie with optimism, knowing full well that three points are more than possible. But the fact is, the Blues tend to do particularly well in weekend matches - especially following European commitments. Even with draws in their last two Sunday matches, Chelsea has remained consistent in these conditions.

But don't be lulled into a false sense of security because recent history doesn't promise victory. Fresh memory of the draw with Liverpool and adjustments needed due to a short turn-around time from the previous match might create more problems. Chelsea boast the third-best attack in the Premier League with 17 goals and are very aware that they will have to put on a very strong offense if they are to prevail against the schedule congestion and the opponent's defense.

Newcastle In Pursuit Of Atonement

Meanwhile, Newcastle comes into Stamford Bridge in a funk. Eddie Howe's team features an attack that has just had a shadow of what happened last year. The Magpies have just one win in their last five matches and an even worse away record: just one victory in four games.

That 1-0 defeat against Brighton at St James' Park, their first home defeat of the season, was tough to take. While the defense is doing all it takes to keep things tight, the attack has simply not clicked. The team has failed to score in its last two games-a far cry from the attacking flair that defined last year's campaign. Now, against a Chelsea that has been strong in its backyard, the mission is clear for the Magpies: they have to break this losing streak to regain some of their lost confidence.

Worth mentioning, Newcastle's last win at Stamford Bridge came in 2012 on an incredible goal by Papiss Cissé. Since then, it's been plain-sailing for the Blues, which piles more pressure on the visitors. For Eddie Howe, he has to find a way of surprising the hosts and, above all, fix the attack that has been his team's weak spot so far this season.

Cole Palmer And The Stamford Bridge Factor

A player who will be especially focused on ahead of this game is Cole Palmer. The young Chelsea forward has an extraordinary record in home games, with 18 goals and 5 assists in his last 14 appearances at Stamford Bridge. He was kept quiet by Curtis Jones at Anfield, but against a Newcastle side that-while attempting to firm up its backline with some recent transfer business-has struggled to find real consistency, Palmer may have much more joy.

Palmeira might be the trump card to unlock the opposing defense in a match where the pressure is on Newcastle, who need to take more risks in order to stop the winless run. Moreover, supported by the fans and with such an outstanding history of dominating the Magpies at home ground, Chelsea have all the reasons to stake on the star power of the forward.

Recent History And The Home Advantage

Chelsea have been beaten in the last 19 home games in the Premier League only by the top three from last season namely, Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool. With 13 wins and a total of 54 goals scored, the Blues have showed much strength while playing on their own turf. This definitely gives the team extra confidence going into this matchup against a Newcastle side that has struggled on the road.

The real test for the Magpies has been away games. The recent run of defeats and difficulties to create chances away from home have put the team in an uncomfortable position. If they want to surprise at Stamford Bridge, determination will not be enough. Eddie Howe's team needs to make up for the lost balance between defense and attack that has been lacking in their recent performances.