The London side will be eager to bounce back after suffering a heavy defeat in the UEFA Champions League, while Newcastle arrive with their continental hopes still alive despite a late setback earlier in the week.
Chelsea’s strong run under manager Liam Rosenior came crashing down on Wednesday when they were beaten 5–2 by Paris Saint-Germain in the French capital. The Blues had competed well for much of the contest, but a costly mistake from goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen proved decisive.
That error allowed the hosts to take control, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scoring twice after Vitinha had earlier struck, leaving Chelsea facing a difficult task to stay in the competition.
Now turning their attention back to domestic football, the Blues know their best chance of securing a place in next season’s Champions League may come through their league position. Chelsea currently sit fifth in the table with 48 points, level with Liverpool FC, while Manchester United and Aston Villa occupy the third and fourth spots respectively with 51 points.
Despite their attacking strength, Chelsea have struggled defensively under Rosenior, keeping only three clean sheets in 16 matches. Recent league draws against Leeds United and Burnley FC have also slowed their push up the table, and they will be eager to secure their first home league win since beating West Ham United earlier in the year.
Newcastle, meanwhile, head to London hoping to improve a poor historical record at Stamford Bridge. Their last league victory there came in May 2012 when Papiss Cisse inspired a 2–0 win, and since then the Magpies have endured a long run without success at the ground.
Manager Eddie Howe will believe his team can take advantage of Chelsea’s defensive vulnerabilities. However, Newcastle’s current league position highlights their inconsistency. Sitting 12th in the standings, they are nine points behind the top five.
Still, the Magpies remain competitive in Europe. Their 1–1 draw with FC Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League knockout tie keeps their hopes alive ahead of the decisive second leg in Spain. The late equaliser, conceded via a penalty against Hansi Flick’s side, means the tie remains finely balanced.
Given the demanding trip to Spain next week, Howe may need to carefully manage his squad at Stamford Bridge.
Team News
Chelsea could make a change in goal after Jorgensen’s costly error in Paris, with Robert Sanchez pushing to start.In attack, Joao Pedro is expected to lead the line. The Brazilian has been impressive this season, scoring 14 league goals. Only Erling Haaland, Igor Thiago, and Antoine Semenyo have scored more in the competition.
Chelsea will still be without Levi Colwill, who continues to recover from a knee injury, although Estevao Willian and Jamie Gittens could return to the squad.
Newcastle also have injury concerns. Lewis Miley is close to returning but may not be ready in time. Meanwhile, Fabian Schar, Bruno Guimaraes, and Emil Krafth are expected to miss the trip through injury.
There is also uncertainty around Anthony Gordon, who recently dealt with illness and could be saved for the Champions League match in Spain.
Possible Starting Lineups
Chelsea:Sanchez; Gusto, Sarr, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Santos; Palmer, Fernandez, Garnacho; Pedro
Newcastle United:
Ramsdale; Trippier, Thiaw, Burn, Hall; Willock, Tonali, Joelinton; Murphy, Woltemade, Barnes
Expert Prediction
Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
