Newcastle to maintain good run

Newcastle United look overpriced at 11-2 with Skybet to end Chelsea’s title ambitions by beating Avram Grant’s side in their Barclays Premier League fixture at St James’ Park on Monday afternoon.

Despite yet another season of underachievement, the Magpies are finishing the campaign in a positive fashion, recovering from their early struggles under Kevin Keegan to put together an unbeaten run of seven games, a sequence that includes four victories, each by two or more goals.

The Newcastle manager should have striker Mark Viduka available before he has an injection on his troublesome Achilles injury and may again employ an attacking formation that sees the Australian supported by both Michael Owen and Obafemi Martins.

Keegan is benefiting from having a settled side — he has picked the same team in five of the last seven games — and will be anxious that Newcastle maintain their form to the season’s close and head into the summer recess with spirits high.

Chelsea are a best-priced 8-13 to keep the heat on Manchester United by taking the three points. The draw is top-priced at 16-5 with Bet365.