Ahead of Chelsea’s trip to St. James’ Park, John Terry has previewed the fixture, while also sharing a Newcastle-related tip.
After a week of off-field drama, Enzo Maresca will be anxious to get back on the pitch.
It’s no easy fixture. Chelsea haven’t won at Newcastle’s ground since 2021.
The last time Chelsea won at Newcastle 👉️
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With that goal in mind, Terry has shared something he learned during his playing days that could give the Blues the edge on Saturday and help close the gap on the Premier League’s top three.
John Terry shares Newcastle’s unique home advantage
St James’ Park is a tough place for any team to go. The physicality of this Newcastle side is even more of a problem with the crowd spurring them on, and Chelsea will need to be smart to neutralise that edge.
And one way they can do that is by taking Terry’s advice before the ball is kicked.
Posting to TikTok, he explains: “Whoever’s captain, flip them round, make them kick toward the Gallagher end in the first half.
“For those of you who don’t know there’s a slope, there’s a big slope at St. James’ Park especially when you’re playing.”
Terry has had enough afternoons on Tyneside to know the impact the slope he mentions can have. He thinks Chelsea can gain an advantage of their own by making the home side play the other way.
Chelsea surely regret Lewis Hall sale 😬
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Newcastle United Unveil New Signing Lewis Hall
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Terry is optimistic about Chelsea’s chances after a midweek rest
Chelsea’s XI against Brighton saw 11 changes, meaning Maresca should have an energised pool of first-teamers to choose from against the Magpies.
Terry thinks this could sway the tide, as he explains: Obviously, we’re coming off a win against Cardiff where players have had loads of time to rest in the week, so I’m expecting a few changes from the manager.
“Hopefully, we can get back to winning ways in the Premier League as well.”
Chelsea have just one win in their last four league outings. That’s not a rate that will allow them to stay with the pack ahead.
Maresca wants to end the speculation over his Chelsea future; breaking the four-year winless streak up at St. James’ Park feels like a great way to do that. If the coin toss goes their way, they can negate the Newcastle advantage Terry mentions — if not, there’s no way that will cut it as an excuse.
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