Newcastle and Chelsea are set to face off again in the EFL Cup just days after their Premier League clash, with a quarter-final spot at stake. The two teams met over the weekend, where Chelsea secured a 2-1 win, lifting them to fifth in the Premier League standings. Newcastle, on the other hand, will look to avenge that defeat at St. James’ Park, a venue where Chelsea has struggled in recent visits.
Newcastle
Newcastle’s EFL Cup journey has been challenging so far, needing penalties to get past Nottingham Forest and securing a narrow 1-0 win over AFC Wimbledon. However, they have struggled for consistency in the Premier League, and their recent defeat to Chelsea dropped them to 12th place. Injuries continue to plague Eddie Howe’s side, with several first-team regulars sidelined.
Team News: Newcastle will be without Anthony Gordon (groin), Martin Dubravka (knee), Kieran Trippier (hamstring), Sven Botman (knee), Jamaal Lascelles (knee), and Callum Wilson (back). Howe is expected to rotate his squad for the cup fixture, with Odysseas Vlachodimos starting in goal. The backline will likely feature Valentino Livramento, Emil Kraft, Fabian Schar, and Lloyd Kelly. In midfield, Joe Willock will return to the lineup alongside Sean Longstaff and Sandro Tonali. Up front, William Osula will lead the attack, supported by Miguel Almiron and Jacob Murphy.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3):
Vlachodimos; Livramento, Krafth, Schar, Kelly; Longstaff, Tonali, Willock; Almiron, Osula, Murphy
Chelsea
Chelsea enters the EFL Cup with renewed confidence after defeating Newcastle in the Premier League and cruising to a 5-0 victory over Barrow AFC in the previous round. Christopher Nkunku’s hat-trick in that game showcased Chelsea’s attacking depth. Enzo Maresca’s side has shown good form recently, and they will be eager to continue their cup run.
Team News: Chelsea’s only absentee is Omari Kellyman, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury. Maresca will rotate his squad for the cup tie, with Filip Jorgensen expected to start in goal. The back four will likely consist of Axel Disasi, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, and Marc Cucurella. In midfield, Enzo Fernandez and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall will anchor the team, with Joao Felix in the no. 10 role. Jadon Sancho and Mykhailo Mudryk will start on the wings, while Christopher Nkunku will lead the attack.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Jorgensen; Disasi, Adarabioyo, Badiashile, Cucurella; Fernandez, Dewsbury-Hall; Sancho, Felix, Mudryk; Nkunku
Key Stats:
- Chelsea have won three consecutive games against Newcastle United, though they have lost their last two visits to St. James’ Park.
- Newcastle United are winless in their last six matches across all competitions (D3, L3).
- Chelsea have won six of their last nine away matches since April.
- Christopher Nkunku has scored three goals in the 2024/25 EFL Cup, second only to Tom Ince.
Player to Watch: Joao Felix
Joao Felix has yet to fully find his form since returning to Chelsea but will be eager to make an impact in this cup tie. With Nkunku leading the line, Felix will have more freedom to operate in advanced positions, and a strong performance could solidify his place in the squad.
Newcastle vs Chelsea Prediction:
Given the form and injuries impacting Newcastle, Chelsea’s depth and attacking firepower could see them edge past their opponents once again in what should be another tight contest.
Prediction: Newcastle 1-2 Chelsea
How to Watch Newcastle vs Chelsea
Watch online via NaijaSport247 TV
