Injury hit Newcastle look to bounce back from successive defeats as they host Chelsea at St James’ Park in the Premier League this Saturday.
The Magpies could be without 14 first-team players but have lost just once at home in the league since August, while Chelsea have scored eight goals in their last two games.
Here’s all you need to know about this weekends’ clash.
Newcastle v Chelsea – Match Preview:
Form
Newcastle: DWWLL
The Magpies sit in seventh in the Premier League, but were booed by sections of their own support after their 2-0 defeat at Bournemouth last time out.
Eddie Howe’s return to the Vitality Stadium was dampened by a Dominic Solanke brace, which gave the Cherries just their second league win of the season and left Howe’s men goalless in successive games.
Only Pedro Neto (7) has more Premier League assists this season than Kieran Tripper’s six. The former Atletico Madrid man has created eight big chances from right-back, only second to Mohamed Salah’s 11.
27 @premierleague goals this season and counting! 👊 pic.twitter.com/SiJ1nNVRso
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) November 17, 2023
Elsewhere at the back, no goalkeeper has kept more Premier League clean sheets than Nick Pope this season (5), as the Magpies have kept out their last four league opponents at St James’ Park.
Dan Burn is out until the new year with a shoulder issue, Miguel Almiron is unavailable, and defender Sven Botman remains injured with a knee problem. The Dutchman joins Matt Targett on the sidelines, while Fabian Schar is currently being assessed.
Striker Callum Wilson will be out for a few weeks, but the Chelsea game could see the return of Alexander Isak, who has been out with a groin issue.
Chelsea: DLWWD
Despite sitting 10th in the league table, a recent 4-1 win against Tottenham and a 4-4 draw at home to champions Manchester City has seen a recent wave of optimism crash over Stamford Bridge.
In an early contender for ‘game of the season,’ Cole Palmer scored a third penalty in five games to net a stoppage time equaliser for Mauricio Pochettino’s men in a dramatic 4-4 draw.
Unbelievable. 🤩 pic.twitter.com/7Sq2MmDWOr
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) November 12, 2023
Nicolas Jackson was also on the scoresheet against the Citizens, following a hat-trick against Spurs. Only five men have scored more league goals than the Senegal striker’s six.
Midfielder Conor Gallagher has been a vital cog in the engine room for Pochettino’s men this campaign and his 53 combined tackles and interceptions rank third in the division.
The west London outfit could be boosted by summer signing Christopher Nkunku, who is yet to play a competitive game for the Blues after getting injured in pre-season.
In other team news, Ben Chilwell remains out. Levi Colwill is a doubt after picking up a shoulder injury, but Romeo Lavia could be available for his Chelsea debut.
Last Meeting
Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle, May 28th 2023
The two sides last met on the final day of last season. Frank Lampard was in temporary charge of a Chelsea side who sat 12th in the table, while Newcastle had already secured Champions League football.
After Alexander Isak forced Kepa into an early save, the Magpies took the lead when Anthony Gordon poked home a Matt Targett cross for his first goal in a Newcastle shirt.
The hosts found an equaliser before half-time through a cleverly worked free-kick from World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez.
The Argentinian midfielder threaded a ball to Raheem Sterling, who cut inside and struck a dangerous effort to the far post, which Kieran Trippier could only bundle into his own net. Both sides continued to create good chances, but neither could make a breakthrough.
Predicted Lineups
Newcastle: Pope; Trippier, Lascelles, Schar, Hall; Willock, Guimaraes, Longstaff; Joelinton, Isak, Gordon.
Chelsea: Sanchez; James, Disasi, Silva, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez, Gallagher; Palmer, Jackson, Sterling.
Who is the referee?
Simon Hooper.
Is Newcastle v Chelsea on TV?
UK and Ireland: Not televised live.
USA: Peacock.
What time is kick off?
Saturday 25th November, 15:00pm GMT.
Odds
Newcastle – 29/20
Draw – 5/2
Chelsea – 7/4
