Newcastle vs Chelsea LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction as Willock gives Magpies win
Newcastle aim to hold on to their place in the top four as they welcome Chelsea to St. James’ Park
Newcastle host Chelsea in this Premier League clash which could have a big impact on the top four race. The Magpies sit third in the table after a seriously impressive start and will secure that place for the World Cup break if they defeat Graham Potter’s men at St. James’ Park. The hosts start the match six points clear of Chelsea and can extend that to nine making a top four finish tricky for the Blues.
Newcastle have won their last four matches, with Miguel Almiron playing like a man possessed with insatiable goal-scoring hunger. The forward won the Premier League’s player of the month award thanks to six goals in six games whilst Eddie Howe was also named manager of the month for leading the North East side up the table.
In contrast, the pressure on Potter is ramping up following a run of four Premier League games in a row without a win for Chelsea. Back-to-back defeats to Brighton and Arsenal are a significant concern ahead of the World Cup but Chelsea can ease the pressure by defeating Newcastle and closing the gap on the top four.
Follow all the action as Newcastle play Chelsea in their final match before the World Cup break:
Man City vs Brentford team news
Pep Guardiola has made eight changes from the Manchester City team that defeated Chelsea in the Carabao Cup during the week. Ilkay Gundogan, Aymeric Laporte and Rodri keep their places and there for returns for the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden. Erling Haaland also starts after his foot issues.
There are three changes to the Brentford side that drew 2-2 with Nottingham Forest last time out. Ivan Toney returns to lead the line with Frank Onyeka and Mathias ‘Zanka’ Jørgensen slotting back in.
Man City vs Brentford line-ups
Man City XI: Ederson, Stones, Akanji, Laporte, Cancelo, Rodri, De Bruyne, Gundogan, Bernardo, Haaland, Foden
Brentford XI: Raya, Roerslev, Zanka, Mee, Pinnock, Henry, Onyeka, Janelt, Jensen, Mbeumo, Toney
Brentford eyeing up top 10
If Brentford manage to take points away from Manchester City this afternoon it’ll be a fantastic outing for Thomas Frank’s side.
The Bees currently sit 11th in the Premier League table and a win today would move them into the top 10 ahead of the rest of this weekend’s fixtures.
It would also put them seven points clear of the relegation zone. Should other results fall their way Brentford could head into the World Cup inside the top 10 which would be a brilliant start after the first chunk of the season.
Can they shock Man City and earn a win at the Etihad?
Will Haaland start for City?
Not that I’m reading into things but does this Twitter post from the Manchester City account hint that Erling Haaland is fit and ready to go?
The prolific striker has been troubled by a fit injury and it is unclear whether he would play in this match. We’ll find out shortly when the team news drops.
Thomas Frank reacts to Ivan Toney’s England World Cup omission
Thomas Frank defended England boss Gareth Southgate’s decision-making despite Brentford striker Ivan Toney’s omission from the World Cup squad.
Toney has scored eight goals in 13 Premier League appearances this season, with many believing he had made enough of a case for selection.
But Toney’s name was not among the eight forwards named on Thursday, while Newcastle’s Callum Wilson and Leicester’s James Maddison made the 26-man squad headed to Qatar.
“I said (to Toney) these coaches, they don’t always take the best decisions, including myself,” Frank told a press conference.
Thomas Frank reacts to Ivan Toney’s England World Cup omission
Toney has scored eight goals in 13 Premier League appearances this season
Guardiola on ‘special moment’ after beating Fulham
Manchester City’s last outing in the Premier League was a tense affair after Joao Cancelo get sent off against Fulham. The game was tied 1-1 heading into stoppage but a penalty for City saw Erling Haaland convert from the spot and give the 10-man side a last minute victory.
“It was a special moment. 10 against 11,” said Guardiola reflecting on the dramatic victory over the Cottagers. “We score in the last minutes. The people were there. Never go home.
“I said many times to the players when we play away ‘go to our fans and stay there’. Not five seconds. Stay there a little bit long. Because we cannot enjoy only when we lift the trophies. It’s ridiculous.
“There are moments during the season. There are games, special games, where you have to share it. To see the faces, the happy faces, of the people. You have to do it.”
Man City vs Brentford
Brentford have lost four consecutive matches against Manchester City in all competitions since a 2-1 victory at Griffin Park in the League Cup in September 1989.
They met in the league for the first time in 70 years last season as City won 1-0 away and then 2-0 at home.
The Bees have also lost six of their seven away games versus Manchester City in all competitions, with the exception being a 2-0 top-flight victory at Maine Road on Christmas Day 1937.
Frank on facing Man City
Brentford boss, Thomas Frank, believes that today’s encounter with Manchester City will be a difficult affair for his side but has faith that his players can rise to the challenge and cause some problems for the Premier League champions.
“Is it going to be difficult? It’ll be unbelievably difficult,” he said,
“They have an almost complete squad and added [Erling] Haaland who will be destroying goal records in the coming years. A lot has been said about him – he is a machine. They are an unbelievably difficult side to close down, but I back us to do something.
“We have never, ever gone into a game believing that we’re not capable of winning.”
Pep Guardiola believes he can never replicate what he has at Manchester City
Pep Guardiola feels he is unlikely to find a better club to manage than Manchester City.
The inspirational Catalan is in the final year of his contract as City boss and has consistently brushed off questions over whether he might extend his stay at the Etihad Stadium.
Yet the 51-year-old was similarly relaxed about both of his previous two renewals and he maintains a decision will be made when the time is right.
Guardiola has won nine major trophies, including four Premier League titles, since taking over at City in 2016.
Pep Guardiola believes he can never replicate what he has at Manchester City
Guardiola has won nine major trophies, including four Premier League titles, since taking over at City in 2016.
Man City vs Brentford early team news and predicted line-ups
Pep Guardiola did not confirm whether or not Erling Haaland would be available, so the striker remains a doubt due to a foot injury.
“We will see,” Guardiola said on Friday. “We have training this afternoon. He is a little bit better.” Kalvin Phillips is ready to start if needed but Kyle Walker remains out.
Brentford striker Ivan Toney is available to lead the line after serving a one-match suspension in the 2-2 draw at Nottingham Forest.
Predicted line-ups
Manchester City: Ederson; Stones, Akanki, Dias, Cancelo; Rodri, De Bruyne, Bernardo; Mahrez, Alvarez, Foden
Brentford: Raya; Jorgensen, Mee, Pinnock; Roerslev, Jensen, Norgaard, Dasilva, Henry; Mbeumo, Toney
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