Chelsea and Liverpool turn to Newcastle for a helping hand

Could Manchester Utd stumble? Here are some straws to clutch…

Last season it was treated as a surprise when a Big Four side stumbled but in recent months Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal have tripped up so frequently that it was almost remarkable to see all three triumph last night. In fact, it was the first time in nine attempts since Boxing Day that Chelsea and Liverpool both won their league fixtures. Will Manchester United be unnerved by the fact their title rivals have finally applied some pressure? Probably not but here are a few reasons to believe Newcastle will put up a fight tonight:

» Newcastle have only lost one of their ten home league games since Joe Kinnear first took over, when Liverpool thumped them 5-1 in December.

» The Magpies have already drawn at Old Trafford this season. Manchester United have won 22 of their last 23 domestic home games, with that 1-1 draw with Newcastle on the opening day proving the only exception.

» Not since 2004 have Newcastle gone six home games without winning.

It’s hardly the most convincing argument we’ve ever produced on chickendinner but if you think Newcastle can upset the form book tonight then they are available at 7/4 with Paddy Power and Boylesports on the Double Chance, while Betfair offer 10s on a home win and 4.3 on the draw.

Posted: March 4th, 2009 by Michael Lintorn |