Newcastle United Preview

Well, the more negative I've gotten, the better my team has begun to play. So logically, I should continue with the ranting and raving and keep watching the Toon rack up impressive victories. But I just can't do that. The eternal optimist (Cubs fan) in me is tempting me to look towards the sky.

Here are the facts.
1) Chelsea is one of the most gifted, confident, and intelligent teams in the leage.
2) Newcastle are not one of the most gifted, confident, OR intelligent teams in the league.
3) Jose Mourinho has already declared this game as a victory for Chelsea and that they can look forward to being 5 points down from Manchester United on Thursday morning.
4) Newcastle have an injury list the size of Frank Lampard's missed penalty list.
5) Chelsea and Newcastle are both under enormous pressure to get points. But Chelsea need THREE.

No one is expecting NUFC to go to Stamford Bridge and come away with all three points. But at the moment - we're playing some of our best football of the season; not by scoring flashy goals and wowing teams with our agility - but by not screwing up in the back. We pushing forward, playing good emergent football, and the goals are coming where and when they should. We're finally putting the chances away that we've been creating all season long. So I'm not incredibly surprised by that. But what we're doing is not giving away too many goals on set pieces, and not slipping and falling at the back creating direct kicks or breakaway situations. Given's inhuman ability to see shots early has saved us in the past few games - and we expect him to do that now. We need it every game - especially today. And I expect for him to get another incredible stops to keep us in this match. Unfortunately we'll be without Solano, who's been filling in beautifully at right back. So Taylor REALLY needs to have a strong game. But more importantly, we need to rely on good defense by our MIDFIELD. We all know we've got a solid mid with quick wingers. But we can't let Chelsea gallup up the field easily to the penalty box every posession. Early pressure to keep them occupied in midfield will help our chances. And if Butt can continue to play as he has, it'll go along way toward an NUFC positive result.

My official prediction:
Chelsea: 1-1 : Newcastle United