Chelsea are currently preparing for Monday night’s Premier League match against Newcastle United.
In our opinion, Blues head coach Mauricio Pochettino should seriously consider recalling Raheem Sterling from
the starting XI for the Championship game under the lights at Stamford Bridge.
With Newcastle right-back Kieran Trippier absent from the visiting team, the Blues will want to see him use his speed and skill to attack wide areas.
The 29-year-old Sterling’s performances have been inconsistent, so it’s understandable that fans are divided.
But his eight goals and nine assists in 34 games this season highlight his ability to contribute offensively when he’s fit.
Sterling has been in and out of Chelsea’s squad since 2024, but his experience and know-how bring something special when he is in the final third.
We need to bear fruit more regularly.
If Sterling, Cole Palmer and Nicholas Jackson are available against Newcastle,
we believe they will give them plenty of problems defensively.
Eddie Howe’s side have been unreliable defensively, conceding 45 goals in 27 league games so far.
The Blues are scheduled to play five home games in their next six games, so it would be great to see Sterling return to his original purple form.
If Pochettino wants another reason to move Sterling from the bench to the starting XI on Monday night, he should look to his best performance against Newcastle.
Interestingly, Sterling’s career statistics suggest he is enjoying playing against the Magpies.
The speedy English striker played for Newcastle 21 times during his career, winning 13 times and losing just three times.
He also has an impressive record of 10 goals against Monday’s opponents.
If a player has fond memories of playing for a particular club, it often makes sense to take advantage of these trends.
