EFL Cup, 3rd round, Thursday, 10/31/2024 at 8:45 p.m.
The next phase of the EFL Cup is on the program. Using the Oddset Freebet, I predict that the Londoners who were successful a few days ago could be victorious again just three days later.
Sure, the Magpies had an acceptable season in the Premier League last season, finishing just three points behind Chelsea in seventh place.
So the ambition for 2024/25 was high: this year, a serious challenge for the Champions League should be made, especially without the distraction of international club competitions.
But the start to the season has been rather sluggish, and the cold winter months will not make it any easier. After a promising start with four unbeaten league games, Newcastle have now slipped into a minor crisis due to a run of five games without a win.
The narrow defeat to Chelsea last Sunday was particularly painful. In fact, I think Eddie Howe, who has not convinced me much, is lucky to have enjoyed the trust of the board for so long.
His offense is a particular problem: Alexander Isak was able to equalize for the Magpies, but with only two goals in seven appearances this season, he has not yet reached the desired form.
However, the Magpies are keeping their dreams alive in the EFL Cup for now…
They secured their place in the next round thanks to a dramatic penalty shoot-out against Nottingham Forest and defeated League Two side AFC Wimbledon in the third round with a converted penalty kick from Fabian Schär.
Since their last major triumph in 1955, the title hunt for Newcastle remains hot, especially after they only just missed out on the 2022/23 final.
Chelsea, on the other hand, have found their way back to success after their narrow defeat to Liverpool at Anfield, both internationally and nationally.
The aforementioned win over Newcastle on Sunday catapulted the Londoners to fifth place in the Premier League.
Nicolas Jackson and the talented Cole Palmer have already scored six times each and are among the spearheads of the league’s second-highest scoring offense, only surpassed by Manchester City.
These two English attacking talents are therefore the subject of numerous goal bets in many betting shops in anticipation of next Thursday.
In the EFL Cup, the Blues have had a relatively easy run so far – a clear 5-0 win over Barrow put them in the driving seat ahead of their clash with Newcastle.
In this game, coach Enzo Maresca fielded his substitutes, and Christopher Nkunku in particular shone, scoring a brilliant hat-trick.
For my part, I still consider the “Blues” to be the better team a few days later, which is why I will visit a betting provider with Apple Pay with clear betting intentions.
What are these specifically? An away win for the Londoners, no ifs, ands, or buts.
Whereby, on the basis of the current Newcastle Chelsea odds, more cautious sports betting fans might also be satisfied with a safer double chance X2 bet.
The Magpies, meanwhile, are concerned about the fitness of Anthony Gordon, who withdrew at the weekend due to a groin strain. However, the medical department has not ruled out the hope of a quick return.
There are question marks over Isak too: he has only just recovered from a toe injury, but he could still be forced into action, especially as strike partner Callum Wilson is out with back problems.
Unfortunately, things also look bleak in defense, because in addition to the long-term absences of Jamaal Lascelles and Kieran Trippier, the important Sven Botman is also missing and will have to take a break until the new year with cruciate ligament problems.
The Blues, on the other hand, are in a much better position in terms of fitness. There were no new injuries during the Premier League success, but Maresca is planning a few changes.
Stars of the Conference League show against Panathinaikos, including Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Joao Felix, could return. The only question remains Ben Chilwell – he has recently fallen ill and could miss the rematch at St. James Park.
Conclusion: My Newcastle Chelsea prediction falls in favor of the guests. The DC-X2 tip seems sensible to me, as the Londoners can draw from their full squad here, giving them a clear advantage.
In contrast, Newcastle are currently struggling with injury concerns and a weakened offense – factors that could make the Magpies vulnerable in this rematch.
Overall, I see Chelsea as better prepared and optimistic about securing at least a draw after 90 minutes.
My Newcastle Chelsea betting tip is therefore: Double chance X2.