THE Premier League title credentials of Chelsea and Newcastle United will again be the subject of much discussion this weekend.
This is because they clash in the early kickoff tomorrow at Stamford Bridge in what could be a thriller.
Chelsea have been a resurgent side this season under the stewardship of Italian Enzo Maresca and Eddie Howe’s Newcastle will be just as keen to get among the top four, as they did so famously two seasons ago.
The Blues have been especially impressive since the start of September, during which they played eight matches across all competitions, won five and only lost to Liverpool last weekend.
There will be no betting that Maresca will be drilling his charges to get back to winning form without delay and see a home victory over the Magpies as just the tonic.
What could be described as the fundamental difference between this season and those just past, barring the in-comings and out-goings of players, is that Maresca seems to have made his team work as a unit rather than operate as individuals out there.
Noni Madueke has been a standout for the Blues, and he could well make it a miserable afternoon for Newcastle.
Cole Palmer, Christopher Nkunku and Moises Caicedo have also been in good form for Chelsea and their influence tomorrow could turn the tide for the home team.
Newcastle have been good too, and just as bad thus far this season. They lifted the spirits of their fans last month with a win over Tottenham Hotspur and then held champions Manchester City to a deserved draw.
But league defeats to Fulham and Brighton that sandwiched the draw at Everton have seen them lose some of that momentum.
An away win tomorrow would certainly get things back on track and help heal some of the hurt endured by the loss to Brighton at St James’ Park last weekend.
English goalkeeper Nick Pope and Swiss defender Fabian Schar have been consistently sharp at the back, and among the mainstays of the Magpies this term.
So too have been Brazilian midfielder Bruno Guimaraes and England winger Anthony Gordon.
This quartet will be expected to lead by example again. And if they do, Chelsea are likely to have their hands full in front of the home crowd, and give the fans even more to debate their title chances.
