RYDER’S VERDICT

AFTER Newcastle failed to get going at Southampton in their last Friday-night game (below), fans hoped that there would be some type of improvement against Chelsea last Saturday.

But after retreating into their own half soon after the first whistle, the Blues took full control and never looked like losing the points.

This game depends on Newcastle’s mentality of course, but if we see another defensive set-up it could end up in tears once again.

You do wonder if Steve Bruce will go with another park-the-bus style counter-attacking display and look to nick a point or a narrow win.

However, if the players continue to suggest they are going through the motions this could be a rough night.

I’ll err on the side of slight positivity and predict a drab draw.