Paul Merson disagrees with Chris Sutton over Newcastle United v Chelsea result

Chelsea are back in action this weekend, and they face another tough test.

The Blues have been in poor of form of late, now on a run of four Premier League games without a win. It has been a tricky start for Graham Potter, who is still working out his best team at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea are now looking up at the top four as they prepare for their final game before the World Cup.

But it gets no easier this weekend as they face an in-form Newcastle United at St James’ Park. The Magpies are now third having gone 10 unbeaten across all competitions, winning their last four Premier League games.

Newcastle will be favourites for many people heading into this one, but Paul Merson is backing a draw.

He told SportsKeeda: “This is going to be a very interesting game. Chelsea were blown away by Arsenal last week. If they lose to Newcastle now, they may well find themselves 16 points away from the top of the Premier League table. Graham Potter did well for some time when he first came in, but he’s not Brighton’s manager anymore. He can’t afford to lose to Arsenal at home and then say that they were the better team on the day. You can do that with Brighton but at Chelsea, the fans will ask questions.

“If I asked a hundred Chelsea fans to name their best team for the game this weekend, not a single one of them would be sure. That’s not the case with Arsenal, and it’s a worrying sign for Chelsea. Potter can’t keep changing his team. He’s been there for nearly two months, and he still doesn’t know what his best team is.

“With Chelsea, I think the recent results have caught up with the changes at the club. If they lose this match, Liverpool would go past them, and I wouldn’t be shocked if that does happen. Thomas Tuchel never lost consecutive games as Chelsea’s manager in the Premier League. I can’t remember the last time Chelsea lost three league games on the trot, and it could happen this weekend. I do like Graham Potter, and I hope he gets it right.

“Newcastle are absolutely flying at the moment. If they win this game, they will fancy their chances in the top-four race. The name of the game is to beat lesser teams and avoid defeat against the big clubs.

“Newcastle have got to be careful and they need to make sure they don’t get caught up in the occasion. I think this game will end in a draw - I don’t see Chelsea winning, and that’s a big compliment to Newcastle.”

Elsewhere, Chris Sutton is not as hopeful about Chelsea, and he thinks Newcastle will come out on top, tipping a 1-0 win for Newcastle in his BBC predictions.

“Chelsea were very disappointing against Arsenal last weekend. The Gunners looked like a side who had an identity – while the Blues didn’t appear to have a clear idea of what they would do when they came forward, or link up well at all,” said Sutton.

“Newcastle will stay in the top four whatever happens in this game, and they must be delighted with their recent results that have put them there, as well as the way they have been playing I think we will see more of the same here. I don’t expect this to be a high-scoring game, but I am backing the Magpies to make it five league wins in a row.”