Earlier in the campaign, it felt nigh-on impossible that Newcastle United could be entering a fixture with Chelsea in the better form, but that is exactly what will happen when the Magpies square off against the European champions at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. While the Blues will make it four successive Premier League victories if they are able to overcome Norwich City on Thursday night, Newcastle have gone eight matches without suffering a defeat in the top flight, recording five wins and three draws in the process. Regardless of their contrasting league positions, there is an intriguing feel to the upcoming showdown in West London, and a Chelsea victory should no longer be regarded as a foregone conclusion.
When punters are assessing their betting options, they should take their time to assess the most effective methods, and Eddie Howe will take a similar approach as he looks at ways to restrict Chelsea's output in the final third. In sharp contrast to how Newcastle were performing defensively under Steve Bruce, they are now on a run where they have conceded just four goals in seven matches. That sturdiness could be enough to convince supporters and punters alike that backing the draw at betting odds in the region of 5/1 is an attractive option. Chelsea have also posted draws in four of their last six league matches on familiar territory, highlighting that they sometimes have issues with breaking down a visiting backline.
There will be those who feel that there is scope for a 1-0 victory for Newcastle, particularly with Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel likely rotating his squad ahead of meeting Lille in the Champions League three days later. All things considered, the continental fixture will take priority now that the Blues are realistically out of the Premier League title race, and there can be no doubting that Sunday's encounter could prove to be a distraction. With that in mind, plumping for the 15/2 on offer for a Newcastle triumph with draw no bet may also be a calculated risk worth taking.
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Eyebrows were raised when Newcastle were prepared to pay the £25m release clause for Burnley frontman Chris Wood during the January transfer window. There will be those who insist that the Magpies have not gotten value for money for the New Zealand international but ahead of Thursday's trip to Southampton, Newcastle had not suffered defeat with the 30-year-old in the team. Wood brings a presence at both ends of the pitch and having ended his drought at St Mary's, taking betting odds of 4/1 for him to score at any point during the 90 minutes may prove to be a shrewd move.
In terms of yellow cards, it is impossible not to take an interest in Newcastle defenders finding themselves in trouble with the referee. If the North-East outfit are to emerge victorious on Sunday, they will have to absorb plenty of pressure, and it would come as no surprise if there were one or two cynical fouls. Dan Burn and Fabian Schar are proving to be an effective partnership, but they are should be far shorter than the 11/4 that is on offer for them to pick up a caution.
Staying on the subject of pressure and we like the corner count to be over 10.5 at betting odds of marginally below Evens. As well as Chelsea having enjoyed success from set pieces this season, Newcastle also value every opportunity to make use of their new-found presence in attacking areas, so much in fact that earning corners may become a tactic if forwards find themselves in certain areas.
