‘We will succeed, you will see’ – Pochettino relishing Chelsea challenge
Chelsea host Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals tonight as both Premier League teams look to secure their place in the final four.
Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea’s manager, will be keen to succeed after a slow start to the season has left his side 10th in the table. Winning a trophy, such as the league cup, would ease some of the pressure on the manager and show that he is taking the Blues in a positive direction. Chelsea reached the last eight after wins over Brighton and Blackburn Rovers yet this match will be their most difficult test.
Like Pochettino, the next step for Eddie Howe and Newcastle’s development is to win some silverware. The Magpies came close last season but were defeated in the Carabao Cup final by Manchester United. This year, the North East team have dumped both Manchester clubs, City and United, out of the competition and look in decent form to, at least, repeat their feat of reaching the final.
Follow all the action from tonight’s clash below plus get the latest odds and tips right here:
Chelsea 0-1 Newcastle
60 mins: Newcastle are starting to look a bit out on their feet here. Chelsea will fancy nicking an equaliser.
Luke Baker19 December 2023 21:22
SAVE! Chelsea 0-1 Newcastle
56 mins: Nice stop Martin Dubravka! Jackson rides a challenge and lays the ball into Sterling’s path towards the right of the box. A good shot away low across goal but Dubravka down smartly and pushes the ball away. Keeps it at 1-0.
Luke Baker19 December 2023 21:18
Chelsea 0-1 Newcastle
54 mins: The longer this goes, surely the closer we get to Nkunku-time for Chelsea?
Maybe the former RB Leipzig man would have scored this? Good work by Gusto down the left, he pulls it back for Jackson who takes a nice touch and gets a shot off on the turn but drags it just wide.
Luke Baker19 December 2023 21:17
Chelsea 0-1 Newcastle
52 mins: Gordon then goes down and I think that’s the end of his game. Chelsea build an attack but eventually Caicedo puts the ball out. He didn’t have to do that there – it wasn’t a head injury and his own teammates (and the crowd) don’t look delighted with his decision. Maybe a bit of guilt for that nasty rake down Gordon’s calf in the early going..
Anyway, Gordon comes off and Matt Ritchie is on. The Magpies will be desperately hoping it’s not a serious issue for the impressive winger.
Luke Baker19 December 2023 21:14
Chelsea 0-1 Newcastle
50 mins: Long ball from Petrovic brilliantly finds Broja moving to his right – classy distribution from the Chelsea keeper. Palmer then shoots from out on the left but his shot deflected wide.
The short corner doesn’t work though and Newcastle try to break but Gordon can’t get on to the ball. Gordon looks to be slightly injured and can’t sprint at full pelt – you feel Eddie Howe will take him off soon.
Luke Baker19 December 2023 21:11
Chelsea 0-1 Newcastle
46 mins: Chelsea win a free-kick out on the left early in the second half and Gallagher curls it into the box but it’s dealt with initially and the ball back in goes harmlessly out for a goal-kick.
Luke Baker19 December 2023 21:08
KICK-OFF! Chelsea 0-1 Newcastle
Back underway at Stamford Bridge.
Two defensive changes for Newcastle at the break as Emil Krafth and Sven Botman come off, with Kieran Trippier and Dan Burn on. Chelsea also forced into a change as Levi Colwill is replaced by Malo Gusto. A few niggles out there after that first 45 minutes.
Luke Baker19 December 2023 21:07
HALF-TIME! Chelsea 0-1 Newcastle
Here was the only goal of that first half – Callum Wilson’s neat run and finish but a disaster by Benoit Badiashile.
Luke Baker19 December 2023 21:01
HALF-TIME! Chelsea 0-1 Newcastle
And that’s half-time. Chelsea have had the better of it but a bad mistake by Benoit Badiashile allowed Callum Wilson to nip in and put Newcastle ahead.
(AP)
Luke Baker19 December 2023 20:53
Chelsea 0-1 Newcastle
45+3 mins: Great chance right on the stroke of half-time as a lovely lofted ball over the top finds Broja on the run but his volley is weak and straight at Dubravka. Not sure if he was trying to lift it over him? Not much conviction in the finish.
Ah, the flag went up anyway for offside but I’m not sure Broja knew that…
Luke Baker19 December 2023 20:51