Newcastle United vs Chelsea – Match preview and team news | OneFootball

It could prove to be a decisive afternoon in the race for Champions League football as Newcastle United host Chelsea.

The two sides remarkably enter this intriguing contest level on points and goal difference, with just three league games remaining. Newcastle occupy fourth due to scoring four more goals than Chelsea.

Eddie Howe has no fresh injury concerns to contend with ahead of today’s clash. Anthony Gordon is pushing to start his first game since February in place of Harvey Barnes. The former Everton winger suffered an injury while on international duty with England in March and has struggled to shake off the problem.

Lewis Hall and Joelinton are still unable to feature, with the latter in a race to appear again this season. Hall’s campaign has already been confirmed as over following a serious ankle injury.

During midweek, Chelsea comfortably reached the Europa Conference League final by defeating Swedish minnows Djurgardens.

Enzo Maresca made wholesale changes from their 3-1 victory over Premier League winners Liverpool last weekend.

Everyone came away from the midweek game unscathed, with the likes of Reece James and Malo Gusto gaining valuable minutes. Moises Caicedo, Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson were all unused substitutes and are expected to reclaim their place in the starting line-up. Christopher Nkunku is still dealing with a knock, while Marc Guiu’s return to the squad is imminent.

Newcastle United vs Chelsea – Match preview and team news

Form

Newcastle: WWLWD

A late Alexander Isak penalty salvaged a point for Newcastle away to Brighton last weekend.

The Seagulls frustrated Eddie Howe and his players in a game where they had two penalties overturned by VAR. However, they eventually made their pressure count to bring something back with them on the long trip home.

That result left the Magpies inside the top four and only a single point off third-placed Manchester City.

Their destiny is in their own hands. Three wins to end the season will guarantee their place amongst Europe’s elite.

Chelsea: WWWWW

Chelsea extended their winning streak to five games by easing past Djurgardens in the second leg of their Europa Conference League semi-final.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall netted the decisive goal at Stamford Bridge to knock out the Swedish outfit 5-1 on aggregate. The Blues will now face Real Betis in the final in just over two weeks.

Domestically, Enzo Maresca and his players have entered strong form at a crucial time. In recent weeks, they have conquered Fulham, Everton and even champions Liverpool last weekend.

Last Sunday’s triumph served as an injection of confidence for the young side, who are three wins away from realising their ambitions of Champions League qualification.

Last Meeting: Newcastle 2-0 Chelsea, Carabao Cup, 30th October 2024

The two sides last met in the Carabao Cup, when Newcastle knocked Chelsea out of the competition in October.

Eddie Howe’s side had the luxury of home advantage, and the Toon Army were willing their team on in full voice.

Alexander Isak picked out Joelinton at the far post early on, but the Brazilian placed his effort against the upright.

Chelsea went up the other end and had a glorious chance of their own. Marc Cucurella’s cut-back reached Renato Veiga, whose finish was tremendously blocked by Sandro Tonali.

Three minutes decided the tie, with the hosts netting a quick-fire double in the North East.

The visitors succumbed to the incessant press of Newcastle with Joelinton harrying Veiga. Tonali pounced on the loose ball and found Isak inside the box, who made no mistake with a composed finish.

Enzo Maresca’s outfit were flustered by their error and made another costly mistake minutes later.

A quick free-kick routine resulted in Joe Willock heading the ball goalward. Benoit Badiashile attempted to clear on the goal-line, but made a hash of his clearance and turned into his own net.

Chelsea almost responded immediately to the onslaught with Joao Felix firing an attempt towards Nick Pope’s goal. However, yet again, a black and white shirt was in the way as Lloyd Kelly crucially intercepted.

After the interval, Newcastle reduced the Blues to limited chances. The best opening fell to the energetic Felix, who poked narrowly wide of the target.

Second-half substitute William Osula’s drive struck the post in the closing stages before the referee blew his whistle for the final time.

Newcastle would eventually lift the Carabao Cup in March, putting an end to a 70-year trophy drought.

Predicted Lineups

Newcastle: Pope, Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento; Guimaraes, Tonali, Willock; Murphy, Isak, Gordon

Chelsea: Sanchez; Caicedo, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Lavia, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Madueke; Jackson.

Who is the referee?

John Brooks will be the match official. Simon Bennett and Dan Cook will assist him, while Rob Jones will be the fourth official. The VAR will be Darren England, and he will be assisted by Natalie Aspinall.

What TV channel is Newcastle vs Chelsea on?

Newcastle vs Chelsea will be available to watch on TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate and Discovery+ UK.

What time is kick-off?

Kick-off at St. James’ Park will be at 12:00 BST on Sunday, 11th May 2025.

Newcastle vs Chelsea Betting Odds

Newcastle: 5/4

Draw: 11/4

Chelsea: 2/1

Read – Five football homecomings we’d like to see this summer

See more – Howe calls for Newcastle noise against Chelsea

Follow The Football Faithful on Social Media:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok