“Full guarantee”- Jamie Carragher issues ‘factual’ Champions League verdict ahead of Newcastle United Vs Chelsea
Newcastle United are under no illusions when it comes to the enormity of facing Chelsea on Sunday.
With three Premier League games to go, Newcastle United remain in the driving seat to secure Champions League qualification.
While Newcastle could only draw with Brighton, Chelsea closed the gap thanks to a win over Liverpool.
Both sides are level on 63 points, while Nottingham Forest squandered the chance to reach that tally too. Nuno Espirito Santo’s side drew 1-1 with Crystal Palace on Monday night, leaving them in sixth position.
Jamie Carragher expects Champions League twist
The race for Champions League qualification is still wide open, and Jamie Carragher has explained why next weekend’s fixtures mean there will definitely be a twist in the tale.
Speaking on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, Carragher admitted that Newcastle’s game against Chelsea at St James’ Park means that Forest’s draw with Palace might not be a bad result.
“This point might be really important, considering what’s happening next week,” he said.
“They’ve got Leicester at home, a game they should win. Newcastle and Chelsea play each other. If that game is a draw, they go level on points. If one loses the game, they can go above them as well.
“Next weekend is really important, not just for Nottingham Forest, but for everyone. Manchester City and Nottingham Forest have fixtures that are really good on paper. The rest of the teams have got really tough games. Arsenal away at Liverpool. Newcastle and Chelsea. Aston Villa away at Bournemouth is not an easy game.
“There will be points dropped in the Champions League positions, no doubt about it. It might not feel like the greatest result in the world for a Nottingham Forest fan, but if they can win next week there is a guarantee that teams will drop points.”
Newcastle United’s recent record at home vs Chelsea
Sunday’s game against Chelsea is seismic for Newcastle United.
If the Magpies can beat their top five rivals, they will take a giant stride towards qualification.
Alan Shearer is confident Newcastle will qualify, but they will know that beating this Chelsea side will be extremely difficult.
Enzo Maresca’s team were very impressive against Liverpool on Sunday, while Newcastle’s recent record versus the Blues makes for interesting reading.
During the last nine meetings, Chelsea have won five, drawn one and lost three.
Interestingly, all three of those Newcastle wins came at St James’ Park. Eddie Howe has a 100% record at home against Chelsea with the Magpies, and that percentage will hopefully be the same after Sunday’s clash.
As Carragher says, someone has to drop points in the race for Champions League qualification next week between Newcastle and Chelsea. Howe will be determined to ensure it is not his side.
