Match Zone

Newcastle v Chelsea – Atkinson Is In Charge – A Bad Omen?

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This Sunday, Chelsea complete their 2017 / 2018 Premier League season with a trip to Newcastle.

It’s a game Chelsea must win if they are to stand any chance of finishing in the top-four, even then we’re relying on Brighton to win at Liverpool, an unlikely scenario.

But, aside from the Champions League situation, the fixture, once again, sees Chelsea go head-to-head against somebody who once held the title of interim-manager, at Stamford Bridge, Rafael Benitez.

The Spaniard was never universally accepted by the Chelsea faithful despite leading the club to Europa League triumph over Benfica, a competition we’ll more than likely be competing in next season.

Ahead of the game, we are now able to bring you the names of those chosen to officiate this fixture:

Referee – Martin Atkinson

Assistant Referee – Stephen Child

Assistant Referee – Eddie Smart

Fourth Official – Bobby Madley

This season, Martin Atkinson has taken charge of 32 fixtures and has issued 117 yellow cards and 5 red cards.

The 2017 / 2018 season has seen Atkinson take charge of the following games involving Chelsea:

• 30 September – Premier League – Chelsea 0 Manchester City 1 – yellow cards issued 2, red cards issued 0

• 10 January – EFL Cup – Chelsea 0 Arsenal 0 – yellow cards issued 3 red cards issued 0

• 25 February – Premier League – Manchester United 2 Chelsea 1 – yellow cards issued 4, red cards issued 0

By my reckoning, Atkinson has yet to preside over a Chelsea victory this season, let’s hope that changes this Sunday, up at St James Park.

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