A change in fortunes for Newcastle United in two of our past three matches by winning away to Everton to end a five-match losing streak, before we held on with nine men to beat Southampton 3-2 a week later.
Yes, there was the disappointing 1-2 loss at home to Crystal Palace in between, but the two victories in recent weeks have given us a 10-point gap above the relegation places, with Fulham in 18th themselves only on 15 points after 22 games.
A trip to Chelsea is on the cards for us on Monday night.
Thomas Tuchel has taken 10 points from his first four games in charge following Frank Lampard’s dismissal last month. For anyone who has had the chance to watch Chelsea live will notice they haven’t been scoring too many, but that they have only allowed one goal during this run.
Timo Werner has had troubles settling into the Premier League following his big move from RB Leipzig over the summer, with just four goals next to his name. Tammy Abraham actually top scores for the club with six goals, followed by Jorginho on five.
Unfortunately, we don’t keep too many clean sheets ourselves so are very likely to need to score if we’re to get anything out of this game. The bookmakers have Chelsea’s odds as short as 1/5 to win. Anyone who fancies our chances at 10/1 can be backed with a Paddy Power promo code.
A switch to the 4-3-1-2 formation recently has at least led to us creating many more chances and even looking more comfortable and confident in possession.
However, there were a number of casualties in beating Southampton last weekend. Jeff Hendrick will be suspended for this one following his red card, whilst Fabian Schar could be out for the remainder of the campaign with the serious knee injury the Swiss centre-back picked up. Callum Wilson and Javier Manquillo also picked up injuries.
Wilson is a huge loss in terms of being able to score, with Joelinton likely to come in to partner Allan Saint-Maximin up top, unless Steve Bruce opts for a more conservative lineup.
Anything from a trip to Stamford Bridge is usually a bonus and this Monday night will be no different.
Team news
Jeff Hendrick – Suspended
Fabian Schar – Out with a serious knee injury.
Callum Wilson – Out with a hamstring injury.
Javier Manquillo – Out with ankle ligaments injury.
Jamaal Lascelles – Missed the last game with a hamstring injury but should be back to face Chelsea.
Federico Fernandez – Could be back for the first time in a month.
Predicted lineup
(4-3-1-2): Darlow – Krafth, Lascelles, Clark, Lewis – Willock, Hayden, Shelvey – Almiron – Joelinton, Saint-Maximin
Match prediction
Chelsea are looking well organised in their first few weeks under the new manager, and with a full week of training under their belt to prepare for us I am not too hopeful of coming away from the capital with anything.
More important fixtures are on the horizon so avoiding any further casualties would be nice.
Prediction: Chelsea 2-0 Newcastle