“He’s brilliant” - Mark Lawrenson predicts 25-year-old Newcastle star to make ‘difference’ and condemn Chelsea to defeat

Mark Lawrenson believes Alexander Isak could be the difference for Newcastle United when they face Chelsea on Sunday, October 27, in the Premier League. The Blues arrive at the game in seventh place in the league table after eight games, while their opponents find themselves in the 10th spot.

The London giants parted ways with Mauricio Pochettino at the end of last season and appointed Enzo Maresca as his replacement. The Italian manager made multiple changes to his squad over the summer, adding new faces and offloading the deadwood.

Maresca has made a decent start to his Stamford Bridge tenure, registering eight wins and three defeats from 13 games across competitions. Chelsea have won four and lost two in the Premier League so far, scoring 17 goals and conceding ten.

In his column for Paddy Power, however, Lawrenson backed the Magpies to get the better of the Blues.

"Newcastle are struggling a little bit. They started well but the goals have dried up lately. With Alexander Isak getting fitter that could be the difference. I think he’s brilliant. Chelsea 1-2 Newcastle," wrote Lawrenson.

Isak was on fire for Newcastle United last season, registering 25 goals from 40 games across competitions. He has one goal and one assist from seven games this season and is currently building up his fitness after recovering from a broken toe.

---

Will Chelsea upgrade their attack in the winter?

Victor Osimhen

Chelsea were eager to sign Victor Osimhen over the summer. The Blues wanted to sign a new No. 9 to lead the line and had identified the Nigerian as an option.

Osimhen was hot property over the summer, but Napoli's exorbitant asking price kept the player's suitors at bay. However, it was reported that the London giants managed to strike a deal with the Serie A giants.

Chelsea apparently proposed a loan deal with an option to buy next summer. Unfortunately, the 25-year-old was adamant that he would only leave on a permanent transfer.

Negotiations continued until the eleventh hour, but the Blues failed to convince their man and the deal failed to materialize. Ironically, Osimhen went on to join Galatasaray on loan a few days later!

The Nigerian has been in good form at the Rams Park, registering three goals and five assists from six games across competitions. The player has a strained relationship with Napoli and will be allowed to leave in 2025. Interestingly, his loan deal with the Turkish club contains a break clause that can be activated in January.