Chelsea and Newcastle United are set to clash in an exciting Premier League encounter at Stamford Bridge this Sunday, as both teams look to bounce back and rediscover winning form. Chelsea, despite their impressive start to the season, saw their unbeaten run halted last weekend by Liverpool, and they currently sit in seventh place. On the other hand, Newcastle United, after a mixed start, have struggled to find consistency, failing to win in their last four Premier League matches and dropping to ninth place.
Chelsea vs Newcastle Team News & Tactics
Chelsea
Enzo Maresca has the advantage of having a nearly full-strength squad for this crucial fixture. The only absentee is Omari Kellyman, who is recovering from a hamstring injury. Chelsea are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Robert Sanchez in goal. The backline could see Reece James, Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill, and Malo Gusto providing defensive stability.
In midfield, Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo will form the double pivot, with Cole Palmer continuing to play the influential no. 10 role. On the wings, Noni Madueke and Jadon Sancho will look to create chances, while Nicolas Jackson, who has been in fine form with nine goals and four assists in his last 13 Premier League matches, will lead the attack.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Fofana, Colwill, Gusto; Fernandez, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson
Newcastle United
Eddie Howe has a few key injury concerns, with Sven Botman, Jamaal Lascelles, Kieran Trippier, and Callum Wilson all unavailable for the clash. Newcastle are expected to line up in a 4-3-3 formation, with Nick Pope in goal. The defense will likely feature Valentino Livramento, Fabian Schar, Dan Burn, and former Chelsea player Lewis Hall.
In midfield, Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, and Joelinton will form a dynamic trio tasked with controlling the game and helping the attack. Alexander Isak will lead the frontline, supported by the pace and creativity of Harvey Barnes and Anthony Gordon on the wings.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Pope; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Barnes, Isak, Gordon
Key Stats
- Chelsea have dominated Newcastle in their past Premier League encounters at Stamford Bridge, with 21 wins and only one loss in 29 home games.
- Chelsea’s recent defeats have only come against top teams like Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool.
- Newcastle are winless in their last four Premier League games, which is their longest winless streak since March 2023.
- Cole Palmer has been in sensational form at Stamford Bridge, scoring 17 goals in 2024, the most by any player at the stadium in a calendar year.
- Newcastle’s Harvey Barnes has been directly involved in four goals in his five away Premier League appearances this season.
Player to Watch: Nicolas Jackson
The spotlight will be on Nicolas Jackson, who has grown into his role at Chelsea. With nine goals and four assists in his last 13 Premier League games, the Senegalese striker has been crucial in Chelsea’s attack. As the West London club continues to seek consistency, Jackson’s performance will be key to their success against a Newcastle side that is struggling to find form.
Prediction
Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle United
How to Watch Chelsea vs Newcastle
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