Chelsea hosted Newcastle United in the FA Cup on Sunday hoping to bounce back from their exit from the EFL Cup at the hands of Arsenal during the week.
The Blues had one foot in the final as they took the lead early on against the Gunners in Wednesday’s semi-final second leg at the Emirates Stadium, but the home side fought back to secure a 2-1 win.
Sunday’s fourth round tie against the Magpies took on added importance, with the FA Cup representing Chelsea’s best chance of silverware this season.
Manager Antonio Conte rotated his squad for the game, with Pedro and Michy Batshuayi to be amongst the forwards selected. Batshuayi responded with a brace in the 3-0 victory.
Rafa Benitez was tempted to stick with Ayoze Perez up front after he scored twice in the last round, but loanee Kenedy is ineligible to play against his parent club.
Chelsea was priced at 4/9 to win the game, with Newcastle on offer at 6/1. The draw is available at 10/3, but use this Sloty Bonus Code for the chance to boost your bankroll before wagering on the game.
The Blues have won each of their last five fixtures against Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge, including a 3-1 league win when the teams last met at the start of January. A repeat of that scoreline can be backed at 11/1.
Chelsea needed extra-time and penalties before seeing off Norwich City in their replay in the last round and they’ll hope to avoid a similar hiccup against Newcastle.
Batshuayi got on the scoresheet against the Canaries during normal time at Carrow Road and he is priced at 7/2 to open the scoring this weekend.
Newcastle have failed to win any of their last 14 FA Cup fixtures away from St James’ Park and they haven’t triumphed at Stamford Bridge since a 2-0 league success back in 2012. Benitez’s side are priced at 50/1 to repeat the feat on Sunday.
Chelsea have beaten Newcastle by at least two clear goals in each of the last five matches between the teams in West London, so the 6/5 on offer for the Blues (-1) to beat the handicap mark could be a popular bet.
Newcastle’s awful away record in the FA Cup doesn’t bode well for their chances against a Chelsea side who are sure to be fired up after Wednesday’s disappointment.
Conte’s side can be backed at 6/5 to win to nil on Sunday and that looks a solid wager.
