- This Newcastle vs Chelsea prediction article, breaks down form, key players and H2H meetings ahead of the clash.
- The Newcastle vs Chelsea EPL Round 17 match will be played on Saturday, December 20 at the St James Park
- Kick off set for 3:30 PM EAT.
This weekend before Christmas is set to deliver pulsating Premier League action, with one of the standout fixtures seeing Chelsea travel to St James’ Park to face Newcastle United on Saturday afternoon.
Both sides enter this match buoyed by confidence, fresh from securing their places in the EFL Cup semifinals during the midweek.
Chelsea edged out Cardiff City 3-1, courtesy of an Alejandro Garnacho brace, while Pedro Neto sealed the victory for the Blues.
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Newcastle, meanwhile, hosted Fulham on Wednesday and advanced with a 2-1 win, thanks to Lewis Miley’s dramatic late winner after Sasa Lukic had canceled out Yoane Wissa’s opener, moving them closer to defending their cup title.
Prior to their League Cup success, Enzo Maresca’s men snapped a four-match winless streak in all competitions last weekend with a 2-1 victory over Everton.
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Cole Palmer marked his return from absence with his first goal, and Malo Gusto secured the win, lifting Chelsea to fourth in the standings with 28 points- eight behind leaders Arsenal.
The Magpies, however, suffered a blow before facing Fulham, falling 1-0 to high-flying arch-rivals Sunderland courtesy of a Nick Woltemade own goal.
They have now conceded in each of their last nine Premier League outings. That result leaves them 12th in the table.
Here are the key details for Saturday’s Newcastle vs Chelsea encounter, along with betting tips for wagering on SportPesa, which offers a variety of markets and instant payouts.
What time does Newcastle vs Chelsea kick off?
This thrilling fixture will be played at St James’ Park on Saturday, December 20, with kickoff set for 3:30 PM East Africa Time.
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Newcastle vs Chelsea team news
Enzo Maresca confirmed in a Friday press conference that all players sidelined during the midweek match against Cardiff are available for Saturday.
Chelsea welcome back Moises Caicedo from a three-game suspension but will be without Estêvão due to a muscular injury. Liam Delap also remains sidelined with a shoulder issue.
For the hosts, head coach Eddie Howe indicated that Tino Livramento is likely to miss the remainder of the calendar year after sustaining a knee injury in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup win over Fulham.
While Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth are not expected to return until the new year, Jamaal Lascelles and Nick Pope could be available. Lewis Miley may again be deployed at right-back due to Livramento’s absence.
Newcastle vs Chelsea predicted lineups
- Newcastle: Ramsdale; Miley, Schar, Thiaw, Hall; Tonali, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Elanga, Woltemade, Gordon
- Chelsea: Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Fofana, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Garnacho; Pedro
Newcastle vs Chelsea head-to-head record and current form
Chelsea will be seeking their 83rd win over Newcastle, while the Magpies aim for their 59th in what will be the 179th meeting across all competitions; the sides have drawn on 42 occasions.
The Blues’ last victory at Newcastle came in October 2021, a 3-0 Premier League triumph sealed by a Reece James brace and a Jorginho penalty.
Their most recent encounter ended in a 2-0 defeat last May. Chelsea have not failed to score in consecutive league matches against Newcastle since February 1933.
Chelsea have lost 15 Premier League away games against Newcastle, a number only exceeded by their losses at Arsenal and Liverpool (both 17).
Recent five meetings at St James’ Park
- 30 October 2021 | Premier League | Newcastle 0–3 Chelsea
- 12 November 2022 | Premier League | Newcastle 1–0 Chelsea
- 25 November 2023 | Premier League | Newcastle 4–1 Chelsea
- 30 October 2024 | League Cup | Newcastle 2–0 Chelsea
- 11 May 2025 | Premier League | Newcastle 2–0 Chelsea
Newcastle vs Chelsea prediction and betting tips
Only Crystal Palace (16) have earned more points on the road this season than Chelsea (14).
Only Arsenal (10) have conceded fewer Premier League goals than the Blues (15), and no side has kept more clean sheets than Chelsea’s eight.
Newcastle have scored exactly two goals in each of their last five Premier League home games and average precisely two per match under Eddie Howe at St James’ Park (158 goals in 79 games).
The Magpies hold the sixth-best home record in the league this season, with 16 points from eight fixtures.
Bruno Guimaraes has either scored (four) or assisted (one) in each of his last five Premier League home appearances, with each involvement putting Newcastle into the lead.
This contest is genuinely difficult to call.
Chelsea enter as slight favorites to win given their current form and will aim to take all three points on the road.
However, the Magpies are no pushovers and possess the quality to win the match themselves.
With both sides boasting attacking talent, goals are expected. If they take their chances, fans should be treated to an entertaining spectacle on Saturday.