Enzo Maresca has been discussing the strengths of Newcastle ahead of Sunday’s game at Stamford Bridge and believes the Magpies are “physically strong.”
The Blues have made a strong start to the season and sit seventh with Newcastle two points behind in ninth after the first eight games of the campaign.
Chelsea slipped to their second defeat of the season at Anfield despite playing well and will be looking to return to winning ways at home.
Maresca on Newcastle’s strengths
Paul Merson is worried that Chelsea could become flat track bullies having lost to both Manchester City and Liverpool at the start of the season.
The Blues have won three of their four games on the road, but at home they have struggled with just one win from four so far.
Chelsea have a very good record against Newcastle at Stamford Bridge, but the Magpies have players in Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon who can cause problems.
Speaking ahead of the game Maresca highlighted Newcastle’s physicality and believes they should have more points than they currently do.
“It’s very clear they are physically strong, very good,” he said as cited on X.com.
“They have been a bit unlucky, especially against Brighton. Overall, they deserve more points. The way they work for many years together, it’s clear.”
Newcastle certainly have physicality in midfield with the likes of Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes, which is something the Blues will need to be wary of.
The Magpies also have a lot of experience and leadership in their side which could prove key, and Maresca has spoken recently about Chelsea not having any proper leaders.
With Manchester United and Arsenal coming up next in the league it’s important the Blues get three points on Sunday to ensure a gap doesn’t start forming between them and the top four.
