Newcastle play host to Chelsea at lunchtime today (12.45pm KO, Live on Sky Sports 2) and the draw looks worth a punt at 5/2.
Alan Pardew’s side have been the surprise package this season, and have suffered just one defeat in their last 16 Premier League games to give them the best start to a season since 1996-97.
They were fortunate to get a share of the spoils at Old Trafford last week after they were awarded a controversial penalty, but they are proving tough nuts to crack and it won’t be easy for Andre Villas-Boas’ side to come away with all three points.
The Blues have been really struggling of late and didn’t have to be at their best to register a much needed 3-0 success over Wolves last weekend.
The stats do favour Chelsea as the Magpies have won none of the last eight Premier League meetings between the two sides(D4, L4) and have managed to keep just one clean sheet in their last 9 PL matches.
However do have a red-hot striker in the shape of Demba Ba who has netted 16 goals so far this season and the vulnerable Chelsea defence is rip to be exploited by him.
I think Newcastle are good enough to get a share of the spoils here, and 1-1 looks worth a wager at 6/1.
