Chelsea are currently preparing for Monday night’s Premier League match against Newcastle United.
In our view, Blues head coach Mauricio Pochettino should be seriously considering recalling Raheem Sterling to the starting line-up for the league fixture under the lights at Stamford Bridge.
With Newcastle right-back Kieran Trippier missing for the visitors, we’d like to see the Blues attack the wide areas with pace and skill.
Sterling, 29, has rightfully divided the opinion of the fanbase because his performances can be inconsistent.
However, his record of eight goals and nine assists in 34 appearances so far this campaign highlights the attacking contribution he can make when he’s in the mood.
Sterling’s found himself in and out of Chelsea’s line-up in 2024, but his experience and know-how does bring something extra when he’s in the final third. We just need him to deliver on a more regular basis.
Speaking via The Mirror earlier this month, Brentford manager Thomas Frank described Sterling as Chelsea’s “most dangerous player” this season.
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If Sterling, Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson are in the mood versus Newcastle, we’re confident of causing them lots of problems defensively. Eddie Howe’s side are hardly watertight in defence, conceding 45 goals in 27 league games so far.
As the Blues embark a run of five home games in their next six fixtures, it would be great to have Sterling hit the kind of purple patch of form that he’s capable of.
Raheem Sterling against Newcastle
If Pochettino wants another reason to promote Sterling from the bench to the XI on Monday evening, he should take a look at his individual record when facing Newcastle.
Interestingly, Sterling’s career statistics would suggest he loves playing against the Magpies.
The fast English winger has played Newcastle 21 times in his career so far, winning 13 times and only losing on three occasions. Also, he’s got the eye-catching record of 10 goals against Monday’s opponents.
It’s often wise to tap into these trends when a player has great memories of playing a specific club.
The Chelsea Chronicle has included Sterling in a Blues predicted line-up to play Newcastle.
