Journalist John Gibson has claimed that it will be a ‘great shame’ for Newcastle United if lose their final game before the winter break.
Up to this point in the season, the Magpies have probably exceeded all expectations (although their huge influx of wealth had raised them) and consequently sit third in the Premier League.
Indeed, they have just one game to play before the World Cup and if they win that match against Chelsea, they will sit in a Champions League place going into the second half of the campaign.
However, during the week, they met Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup and only snuck into the next game on penalties after an ‘iffy’ display. That is how Gibson described the game and he has warned Newcastle must maintain their good momentum with a result against the Blues.
While speaking on the Everything is Black and White podcast, he said (32:13): “It would be a great shame for the owners, for Eddie Howe, and for all the playing staff if on the last game before a six-week break, or whatever it is, we flopped.
“Because the momentum, it’s like taking a balloon at your little kid’s birthday party and putting a pin in it.”
TIF thoughts on Newcastle…
Last season, when former manager Steve Bruce left the club, Newcastle were sitting second-last in the Premier League, having picked after three draws and zero wins from their opening eight games.
This really shows just how far the Magpies have come in the time since under Eddie Howe. Indeed, now they are at a point where they are expected to get a result against the likes of Chelsea as they head into the winter as firm favourites to be playing European football next season.
Of course, the club did spend a reported €136.35m (£119.3m) in the summer – which handed them a massive advantage over many on their rivals – but even so, the change in fortunes and expectations has been more swift than many could have expected,
It will certainly be interesting to see how they fair against Chelsea this weekend.
Will Newcastle beat Chelsea?
Yes
No
Draw
