Most of us will probably agree that a draw in the match against these two today would suit us best. But, for the sake of this thread, let us assume that there will be no draw. The question, then, is "who would you rather win?" In my mind, I am torn between two lines of argument:- Argument 1: Chelsea, long term, is the more likely team to challenge for third or second this season, but a Toon win would put greater distance between Chelsea and us, whilst at the same time keeping morale low in the Chelsea squad, and staving-off the great Chelsea come-back until it's too late for them to overtake us. Argument 2: Chelsea are finished this season, and regardless of whether or not they win today, they are not going to pose a serious threat to us for third or second spot. Whereas, on the other hand, the Toon are beginning to look dangerous, and a win against Chelsea will give them a boost to further push-on in the league and undermine our chances of finishing above them. Now, depending on which argument I stick with, I could go for either a Chelsea or a Toon win; and I'm not at all certain which argument I think is strongest. What do you guys think?
I'm really not in the mind to worry about the fortunes of others and what they may or may not do, for now its a 'number of points' thing. As it stands to answer your Q directly, a Chelsea win would be the least detrimental, they're furthest behind. Pulling a points gap at this moment in time is all thats important, so each week its what mathematically suits us best.....draw!
I'm expecting a draw, to be honest, notso. Certainly, I am hoping for one. But, if there is to be a winner, I'd pick the Toon, because I don't think Chelsea have much more to give. On that basis - and to answer my own question, posed in the OP - I'd prefer Chelsea to win, because I think the Toon are a better team than them, at the moment. I can only but hope that Chelsea manage to pull enough of themselves together to manage the draw.
Chelsea win 3-0. Now the pundits will pretend their problems are over, just as they're doing with Arsenal...
I'd have definitely picked Newcastle. Shame. This will be a tricky period for Pardew now. They won't have expected to pick up many points against the two Manchester sides or Chelsea, but it's how they play in the following games that really counts. Their squad's looking a little stretched now and they'll lose both Ba and Tiote to the ANC, though the latter's missed a few recently. The transfer window could be massive for them.
