Chelsea return their focus to round 30 in the English Premier League as they host Newcastle at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening.
The Blues are coming off an embarrassing 5-2 loss to PSG in the first leg of their Champions League knockout tie, desperate to bounce back to winning ways here.
Chelsea beat Aston Villa 4-1 in their last league outing, leaving them in fifth place with 48 points. While mid-table Newcastle are in 12th with 39.
Eddie Howe’s side snapped a two-game losing streak in the league to stun Manchester United 2-1 last time out. The Magpies were held 1-1 by Barcelona in midweek and are wary of the looming threat in the second leg next week.
There was nothing to separate these two sides in the reverse fixture last December, with a Nick Woltemade hat-trick highlighting a thrilling 2-2 stalemate.
Which of these sides will finally get one over the other in this highly anticipated encounter? We have a look at their sides ahead of the match and offer our predicted outcome.
What time does Chelsea vs Newcastle start?
The match kicks off at 8:30PM E.A.T
Chelsea vs Newcastle team news
Robert Sanchez is set to return to the starting line-up after missing out on the Champions League in midweek.
Brazilian sensation Estevao and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens are expected to return from minor injuries but will have to settle for a place on the bench.
Top scorer Joao Pedro will lead the attacking line, supported by Cole Palmer and Alejandro Garnacho. Pedro Neto is sitting out his final match after being sent off two weeks ago against Arsenal.
For the visitors, they remain without Bruno Guimaraes, Lewis Miley and Fabian Schar all through injury.
The rest of the team will remain unchanged from their victory at United.
Chelsea vs Newcastle head-to-head and current form
Both sides have two defeats in their last five matches in all competitions. Newcastle have struggled away from home all season – scoring only 14 goals in 14 games.
Before the 2-2 stalemate in December, Newcastle had won the two matches prior to that – in the league as well as a 2-0 EFL Cup win. Chelsea have also won twice in their last five games against Newcastle.
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Current form:
Chelsea – LWWLD
Newcastle – DLWLW
Chelsea vs Newcastle previous games
Chelsea vs Newcastle prediction
It has been 18 years since this fixture did not produce any goals and this trend is set to continue here. We can expect at least a goal or two from the hosts as they seek a way back into the top four.
The Blues are expected to take full advantage of the home fixture and are favorites to win here.
Prediction – Chelsea to win – CLICK HERE TO PLACE YOUR BET ON THIS GAME!