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Chelsea are aware that one of the two sides they can face in the Champions League Round of 16 will be Newcastle United following their 9-3 aggregate win over Qarabag.
The Blues were handed a major warning by Anthony Gordon’s four goals in the first leg, and their potential Round of 16 opponents made light work of the Azerbaijani minnows at St. James’ Park.
It will be either Newcastle, PSG or Monaco in the next round for Chelsea, and while they have nothing to fear against PSG, the Premier League side will bring a completely different challenge.
Newcastle, PSG, Qarabag or Monaco – who are YOU picking? 👀
Chelsea’s possible last 16 opponents…
The Chelsea Chronicle have outlined three reasons why the Blues will be hoping to avoid Eddie Howe’s side in the next round of the competition.
Three reasons why Chelsea want to avoid Newcastle in the Champions League Round of 16
St. James’ Park atmosphere
This is the first season where Newcastle have played knockout football in the Champions League, meaning it is uncharted territory for their fans.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
The St. James’ Park faithful are up there with the very best in world football, and can create a hostile atmosphere for any travelling side.
Chelsea have not dealt well with this prospect so far this season. Defeats at Elland Road and Craven Cottage have seen them struggle when the crowd gets on top of them.
Anthony Gordon’s incredible Champions League form
Only Kylian Mbappe has scored more goals than Gordon in the Champions League this season, with him notching up 10 so far. Chelsea’s top scorer is Joao Pedro and Estevao Willian with three.
The former Blues transfer target has found a new lease of life this season when playing in the central striker position, with Nick Woltermade dropping deeper to play a more creative role.
Pace in behind would be a real problem for Chelsea’s defence, especially with the high line they have adopted under Liam Rosenior.
Big chance that Chelsea’s new owners are embarrassed on the big stage
Chelsea fans were not impressed with the decision their owners made to cash in on profit on academy graduate Lewis Hall, with him ending up at Newcastle.
Since moving there, he has become a regular in the Premier League, and is a serious contender to start in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad this summer.
It would be arguably the biggest slice of humble pie to the club to see Hall star in a two-legged affair, especially if it comes at the expense of a battle with their new star, Estevao.
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