The high-stakes clash between Chelsea vs Newcastle kicks off at 15:00 (GMT +1) on Sunday, October 27, at Stamford Bridge, with both teams looking to make amends for their game week eight defeats.
Enzo Maresca’s side bounced back from their agonising 2-1 defeat to Chelsea with a comfortable 4-1 victory over Panathinaikos in the Conference League, while the Magpies proved to be their own worst enemy in last weekend’s 1-0 home loss to Brighton & Hove Albion.
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Chelsea vs Newcastle: Match preview
Chelsea set out to give Liverpool a true test of their title credentials and came close, as Nicolas Jackson stayed just onside to cancel out Mohamed Salah’s first-half penalty at Anfield.
However, their equaliser was short-lived—just three minutes later, Salah assisted Curtis Jones, who struck the deciding goal, handing Chelsea their first league defeat since the opening weekend.
With a reshuffled lineup, Maresca’s squad rebounded in Thursday’s Conference League clash in Greece, where João Félix’s double helped secure a dominant win over Panathinaikos, who were in mourning after the tragic passing of George Baldock.
“The most important thing is that no matter how many changes, you can see the identity. It is quite clear,” Blues manager Enzo Maresca said, after Thursday’s win.
Now sixth in the league, Chelsea could break into the top four if results fall their way this weekend, though defensive lapses have crept in.
They’ve gone five games without a clean sheet, as demonstrated by Facundo Pellistri’s late strike on Thursday, yet have been prolific up front, scoring in 12 consecutive matches and tallying 17 goals in their last six at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea’s attacking prowess sharply contrasts with Newcastle’s toothless form this October.
Following a scoreless outing against a disciplined Everton defence before the international break, Eddie Howe’s men again misfired against Brighton.
Despite a series of efforts, the Magpies couldn’t overcome Fabian Hurzeler’s side, with Bart Verbruggen’s saves keeping them at bay, while Danny Welbeck capitalised on a single chance to secure the Seagulls’ win.
Despite the ambition surrounding Newcastle’s rise post-2021 takeover, the visitors now find themselves winless in four league games and have slipped to ninth in the table.
Over their last 270 minutes of play, they’ve managed only one goal—a scrappy winner in their EFL Cup clash with AFC Wimbledon.
However, Howe has defeated Chelsea twice in his four encounters with them at Newcastle’s helm, including last season’s 4-1 triumph at St James’ Park. Chelsea, though, struck back with an EFL Cup penalty shootout victory and a narrow 3-2 league win at Stamford Bridge.
Adding to the rivalry, the two will meet again in the League Cup just three days after Sunday’s league clash.
Chelsea vs Newcastle: Team Form (last six games)
Chelsea league form
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Chelsea form (all competitions)
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Newcastle league form
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Newcastle form (all competitions)
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Chelsea vs Newcastle: Team news
Chelsea welcome Reece James back from a hamstring injury, giving them a fully fit squad for Sunday’s clash, with Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana also returning from suspensions.
Despite a heavy squad rotation in Thursday’s lineup, Maresca may consider Joao Felix for a start after his midweek brace.
Cole Palmer, meanwhile, continues his impressive contributions at Stamford Bridge, with one goal involvement every 63 minutes in the Premier League.
Newcastle, however, face a spate of injuries, including Callum Wilson (back), who will miss at least three games, along with Sven Botman, Kieran Trippier, Jamaal Lascelles, and Martin Dubravka.
Dan Burn has recovered from an ankle knock, while Harvey Barnes may replace Jacob Murphy up front, with ex-Chelsea players Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento set to start as fullbacks.
Chelsea vs Newcastle: Possible Lineup
Chelsea:
Sanchez; James, Fofana, Colwill, Gusto; Fernandez, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson
Newcastle:
Pope; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Joelinton, Tonali, Guimaraes; Barnes, Isak, Gordon
Chelsea vs Newcastle Match prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
Chelsea have shown a tendency to concede, yet Newcastle’s attacking edge has been missing in recent outings, and it’s unlikely they’ll find it against a refreshed Chelsea lineup.
The Blues haven’t lost a Premier League home game to Newcastle since 2012, and they’ll aim to keep that run going on Sunday, just days before the teams face off again in the EFL Cup.
