Newcastle United welcome Chelsea to St James’ Park in a crucial Premier League clash on Friday evening, with both sides chasing important objectives at opposite ends of the table. Newcastle enter the fixture in 12th place, while Chelsea sit fourth, firmly in the hunt for Champions League qualification.
Recent Form
Newcastle have endured a difficult run defensively, conceding goals in nine consecutive league matches. Their struggles were highlighted by a narrow 1–0 derby defeat to Sunderland, although they regained confidence midweek with an EFL Cup victory over Fulham. Despite recent setbacks, Eddie Howe’s side has remained productive at home, averaging two goals per game at St James’ Park.
Chelsea arrive in strong away form, having kept four clean sheets in their last five away league matches. They also progressed in the EFL Cup with a 3–1 win over Cardiff, underlining their momentum heading into this fixture.
Team News
Newcastle’s defensive options are stretched thin. Tino Livramento (knee) and Dan Burn (rib/lung) are ruled out, while Sven Botman, Kieran Trippier, Emil Krafth, and others remain sidelined. Lewis Hall is a doubt.
Chelsea are also dealing with absences. Liam Delap, Estevao, Levi Colwill, Romeo Lavia, and Dario Essugo are injured, while Mykhaylo Mudryk is suspended.
Predicted Lineups
Newcastle (4-3-3):
Ramsdale; Hall/Svenman, Schär, Thiaw, Miley; Tonali, Guimarães; Gordon, Woltemade, Elanga
Chelsea (4-2-3-1):
Sanchez; James/Gusto, Chalobah, Fofana, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernández; Neto, Palmer, Garnacho; João Pedro
Key Stats & Head-to-Head
Opta gives Newcastle a 42% chance of victory, compared to Chelsea’s 31.4%. Chelsea winger Pedro Neto has scored five league goals this season, four of them away from home. With Newcastle’s defensive frailties and Chelsea’s solid away record, the contest is finely balanced.
Outlook
Newcastle’s attacking strength at home faces a stern test against Chelsea’s disciplined defense. If the hosts can tighten up at the back, they may exploit home advantage, but Chelsea’s counter-attacking threat could prove decisive in a match with significant implications for both sides.
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