“They should not get too cocky” – Paul Merson has shared his prediction for the upcoming Sunday match between Chelsea and Newcastle United, highlighting his expectations for the game. He believes that the encounter will showcase both teams’ strengths and weaknesses, ultimately favoring one side based on recent performances and tactics.

Newcastle United is facing a challenging time, with their upcoming match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge not promising to be any easier.

After suffering a defeat to Brighton, Eddie Howe’s side is struggling to find the back of the net, having gone three Premier League games without scoring.

Their last goal from open play came during a 3-1 loss to Fulham, when Harvey Barnes found the net. However, insiders at the club believe that goals may soon come, potentially from Alexander Isak, who previously scored a stunning goal at Chelsea last season, though it was in a losing effort. Paul Merson, writing for Sportskeeda, predicts a similar outcome for Newcastle this weekend, anticipating a comfortable win for Chelsea.

“They couldn’t secure victories against City and Liverpool. While they performed well at Anfield last weekend, they still lost! Cole Palmer didn’t even touch the ball in that match. This is the challenge Chelsea faces now; teams will target Palmer, and they need to find alternatives.

“Chelsea should manage fine against teams like Newcastle, who are inconsistent. Enzo Maresca’s squad urgently needs a win as they’ve slipped out of the top four. If Aston Villa wins this weekend and Chelsea fails to secure three points against Newcastle, the gap will only widen.

“I appreciated how Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo played together against Liverpool, maintaining Chelsea’s defensive stability. However, they struggled to get the ball to Palmer. Enzo Fernandez is a superior passer and can deliver the ball more effectively than the other two. Honestly, if Palmer doesn’t get involved, Chelsea will struggle to win many matches!”

Merson’s prediction: Chelsea 3 Newcastle 1

Regarding Newcastle’s chances, Merson is quite skeptical. This skepticism is reasonable, considering Chelsea’s strong form, Newcastle’s difficulties this season, and their poor record at Stamford Bridge.

Last season, the Magpies lost twice in West London, suffering a 3-2 league defeat and a penalty shootout loss in the Carabao Cup.

The last time Newcastle secured an away victory at Stamford Bridge was on May 2, 2012, when Alan Pardew’s team won 2-0, with Papiss Cisse scoring both goals, including a memorable second that looped over Petr Cech.

Newcastle could use a moment of brilliance like that this Sunday, but it may not come from their current number nine, as Callum Wilson has been absent from training, raising concerns about his fitness.

The Magpies head into the weekend in ninth place, having been overtaken by Nottingham Forest after their recent 1-0 win over Crystal Palace.

Eddie Howe urgently needs to start accumulating points, but doing so away at Chelsea will be a significant challenge. Following this match, the fixtures don’t ease up, as Newcastle will face Chelsea again in the cup, then Arsenal at St. James’ Park, before traveling to face an in-form Nottingham Forest.