Newcastle and Chelsea face off at St. James’ Park in a massive Premier League match that could be decisive in the Champions League qualification race. Both teams are level on 63 points with three games to go, and only goal difference separates Newcastle in 4th from Chelsea in 5th. Neither can afford to slip up at this stage.
Recent Form
Newcastle have been good at home, winning their last 5 league matches at St. James’ Park and scoring 3 or more in 4 of those wins. But they’ve only won one of their last 3 and were held to a 1-1 draw by Brighton last time out. Eddie Howe’s side are just a point behind 3rd-placed Manchester City and are in control of their own Champions League destiny, but the pressure is on with tough games against Arsenal and Everton to come.
Chelsea are in great form, unbeaten in 6 league matches and on a 3-game winning streak. They just beat Liverpool and also secured a place in the UEFA Europa Conference League final after a 5-1 aggregate win over Djurgardens. Enzo Maresca’s side have found their form at the right time but have a poor record at St. James’ Park, losing 7 of their last 11 visits.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Newcastle United
- Out: Joelinton, Jamaal Lascelles, Matt Targett, Lewis Hall
- Doubt: Fabian Schar (if unavailable, Sven Botman could start)
- Expected XI (4-3-3): Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento; Guimaraes, Tonali, Willock; Murphy, Isak, Gordon
Chelsea
- Out: Christopher Nkunku, Wesley Fofana, Aaron Anselmino
- Back: Marc Guiu
- Expected XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Caicedo, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Lavia, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Madueke; Jackson. Maresca will likely continue to play Moises Caicedo as an inverted right-back, so Chelsea can overload the midfield in possession. Romeo Lavia and Enzo Fernandez will be the double pivot, Cole Palmer in the No. 10 role, and Nicolas Jackson up top.
Tactical Overview
Newcastle will press Chelsea high and use their midfield trio to control the tempo, while Alexander Isak’s movement and finishing will be a constant threat. Chelsea’s recent tactical changes, including Caicedo’s role and the use of pace on the flanks, have made them more dangerous in transition. Both teams will be aggressive, knowing a draw could open the door for their rivals.
Key Stats
- Newcastle have won 7 of their last 11 home league games against Chelsea.
- Chelsea have won 5 straight matches in all competitions.
- Newcastle have picked up 43 points in their last 20 league games, second only to Liverpool in that period.
- Alexander Isak has scored in each of his last 4 games against Chelsea and has more home league goals (12) than any other EPL player this season.
- Chelsea are looking for consecutive away league wins for the first time in 5 months.
Player to Watch: Alexander Isak
Isak has been on fire with 33 goal contributions in 40 games this season. He’s level with Mohamed Salah for match-winning goals (9) and is Newcastle’s main man with several first-teamers missing. His record against Chelsea and at St. James’ Park makes him the player to watch in this one.
Newcastle vs Chelsea Prediction
Both teams are in good form and have plenty to play for, but Newcastle’s home advantage and Chelsea’s recent defensive issues suggest an open and high-scoring game.
Newcastle United 2-2 Chelsea
A draw would keep both teams in the Champions League hunt but leave the door open for the chasing pack as the season winds down.
Newcastle vs Chelsea Live Stream
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