Newcastle United have an absolutely huge game awaiting them on Sunday.
Locked in a tight battle for Champions League qualification, Newcastle United host Chelsea in a Premier League showdown. Eddie Howe’s side sit ahead of the Blues in the Premier League table on goals scored alone and losing to them would be a major blow in pursuit of a return to Europe’s top table.
Newcastle certainly have reasons to feel confident. Generally, they have been excellent at St James’ Park all season and beat Enzo Maresca’s side 2-0 in the Carabao Cup back in October.
Still, Chelsea beat Liverpool on Sunday to send a statement in the top five race. Maresca, however, thinks his side have a problem ahead of the game on Tyneside.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Enzo Maresca explains Chelsea issue before Newcastle United clash
Chelsea are in Conference League action on Thursday night, hosting Swedish side Djurgardens in the second leg of their semi-final.
They already hold a three-goal advantage, having won the first leg out in Sweden 4-1.
Maresca, however, thinks the scheduling could be a problem. Thursday’s game comes at 8pm BST at Stamford Bridge, before they travel to Tyneside for a 12pm BST kick-off on Sunday.
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Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, the Italian said: “We only have 48 hours and we play 12’oclock and we don’t have a big time for recovery.”
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It’s hard to feel too sorry for Maresca. They boast a very deep squad indeed and are in a position to make sweeping changes, such is the size of their advantage heading into the second leg.
Newcastle vs Chelsea is a huge game in the Champions League race and the Italian boss has the chance to rotate his squad all while booking a place in a European final.
Few other clubs would be able to do that. Newcastle certainly aren’t in a position to.
Indeed, it’d be a huge surprise not to see the Blues arrive at St James’ at full strength, injuries permitting.
Regardless of their European commitments only a few hours before the game, the London club are going to be a huge test for Howe’s side.