Chelsea v Newcastle – Preview, Predictions, and Best Bets

The Blues have won 11 of their last 16 league fixtures at Stamford Bridge, while the Magpies have lost 11 of their last 13 away matches against Chelsea.

Chelsea Form

Chelsea have been in good form recently, with only one loss in their last nine matches across all competitions. A five-match winning streak included a 3-0 victory at West Ham and an impressive 4-2 home win over Brighton, creating 4.16 xG. A 4-2 home win over Genk followed in the Europa Conference League.

They were held to a 1-1 home draw against Nottingham Forest despite having 22 shots and 2.46 xG, suggesting they should have won. Last Sunday, Chelsea lost 2-1 away to Liverpool, despite controlling 58% of possession. In midweek, they secured a comfortable 4-1 victory over Panathinaikos in Athens.

Chelsea Team News

Manager Enzo Maresca hopes Reece James will be available to start again. Marc Cucurella and Malo Gusto are competing for the left-back position. Wesley Fofana and Cole Palmer will return after being ineligible for UEFA Conference League matches.

Noni Madueke is set to start, with one of Jadon Sancho, Joao Felix, or Pedro Neto likely to start on the opposite flank. Enzo Fernandez should return to the starting XI in the league after Romeo Lavia started against Liverpool.

Chelsea Motivation

The Blues need to build momentum at home, as they’ve won only once in their last four league matches at Stamford Bridge. They’ll look to attack Newcastle but may sit slightly deeper than usual to counter Newcastle’s pace.

Newcastle Form

Newcastle began the season strongly, taking 10 points from their first four league fixtures (WDWW). A 3-1 loss to Fulham followed, with Newcastle conceding 22 shots and 2.29 xG to the Cottagers. They responded with a solid 1-1 home draw against Man City, coming from behind.

After advancing past AFC Wimbledon with a 1-0 win in the Carabao Cup, they were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw at Everton, with Anthony Gordon missing a penalty. In their most recent match, Newcastle suffered a surprising 1-0 home defeat to Brighton despite having 60% possession, 2.02 xG, and outshooting the Seagulls 21-10.

Newcastle Team News

Callum Wilson is close to returning, providing more options up front. Defenders Sven Botman, Jamaal Lascelles, and Kieran Trippier are all unavailable.

Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento are expected to play in the fullback positions. Joe Willock is pushing for a recall in midfield, with Sandro Tonali potentially dropping to the bench.

Newcastle Motivation

Newcastle’s poor record at Stamford Bridge means a draw would be a positive result. Expect them to focus on transitions rather than dominating possession.

Key Stats

Chelsea have won 10 of their last 15 home matches.

Chelsea have scored 23 goals in their last nine matches (all competitions).

Chelsea’s Cole Palmer scored 27 goals last season (6 goals this season).

Newcastle have lost 11 of their last 13 away matches against Chelsea.

Newcastle have scored just 3 goals in their last 5 matches.

Verdict

Chelsea are in good form and enjoy this fixture, facing Newcastle at an opportune moment. They should have enough to secure a home win, with Cole Palmer well-rested for this clash.