NEWCASTLE – The English Premier League campaign resumes on Saturday with Newcastle United play hosts to Chelsea in a game that both teams are hoping to win.
Chelsea are sitting fifth in the Premier League table standings, while Newcastle United are 13th. A victory for Frank Lampards’ side would see it going top of the table before the remaining kick-offs. Game time is 7:30 AM ET, with Peacock providing the live television coverage in the U.S.
NEWCASTLE UNITED TEAM NEWS
Magpies manager Steve Bruce has revealed that striker Callum Wilson trained over the last few days and has a chance of featuring in the game after recovering from a hamstring problem. Jonjo Shelvey and Matt Ritchie are also back in training, but this game has come too soon for Ryan Fraser.
“Ryan won’t make it, unfortunately, but Callum has got a chance to,” Bruce said on www.nufc.co.uk. “Obviously we’re going to make sure that if there’s any risk whatsoever, he won’t play. But he has trained the last two days.
“It was very comfortable yesterday. We’ll see how he is today, but the boy wants to play. We have to make sure he’s 100 per cent, because the big problem for us all is the injuries – thankfully we’re getting a few back, but it’s been a concern for all of us managers.”
Bruce added: “It might be a little bit early for Jonjo, but he’s trained two or three days. Matt Ritchie is another one who’s trained two or three days. That’s good news for us all, that they’re in and around the group again.”
CHELSEA IN GOOD FORM
Newcastle United will host a Chelsea that has been in superb for after winning their last four games in all competitions before the international break – netting 14 times and conceding just one.
The Blues, however, will be without American winger Christian Pulisic and Brazilian veteran defender Thiago Silva.
However, attacking midfielder Kai Havertz has recovered from illness and has returned to individual training while the full-back Ben Chilwell could be fit to feature.
“They bought exceptionally good players, at the end of the day, and that makes life a little bit easier if you’re a manager,” Bruce noted.
“Of course you have to find the right blend and the right balance, and they certainly seem to have got that over the last few weeks – they’ve conceded only one in their last six games. They’re a very, very good side and I believe personally that they will be there or thereabouts with the changes they’ve made.”
Newcastle United vs. Chelsea
Match officials
Referee: Craig Pawson. Assistants: Ian Hussin, Harry Lennard. Fourth official: Robert Jones. VAR: Simon Hooper. Assistant VAR: Stephen Child.
WATCH LIVE STREAMING ON PEACOCK TV
- Odds: Newcastle +550; Draw +333; Chelsea -200 (via William Hill Sportsbook)
