Chelsea vs Newcastle United: Match preview, predicted line-ups, team news and prediction
Following their midweek UEFA Champions League setback, Chelsea and Newcastle United lock horns in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
The Blues came from two goals down to draw 2-2 at St James’ Park in December’s reverse fixture.
Match preview
Chelsea were battered 5-2 by Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie on Wednesday.
Both sides were evenly poised for 75 minutes as Chelsea came from behind twice to match the European champions.
However, Filip Jorgensen’s howler gifted PSG a third goal via Vitinha before Khvicha Kvaratskhelia came off the bench to net a brace, leaving Chelsea on the brink of elimination.
The Blues smashed Aston Villa 4-1 last time out in the Premier League courtesy of Joao Pedro’s first PL hat trick.
Chelsea have won 11 of their last 12 Premier League home games against Newcastle, and Liam Rosenior’s side will be keen to extend that record to boost their Champions League qualification hopes.
Newcastle were denied a historic Barcelona victory by Lamine Yamal’s last-gasp penalty.
Harvey Barnes had put the Magpies ahead in the 86th minute before Yamal’s 95th-minute penalty tied the game heading into the second leg next week at Camp Nou.
Newcastle ended Michael Carrick’s unbeaten start at Manchester United with a 2-1 win in their last Premier League outing thanks to William Osula’s stoppage-time winner.
The Magpies have avoided defeat in five of their last seven Premier League games against Chelsea (W3 D2 L2), more times than they had in their previous 15 (W3 D1 L11).
Team news
Jamie Gittens and Estevao Willian could return to the matchday squad after their respective injury spells, while this fixture is too early for Levi Colwill after returning to full team training following a hamstring injury.
Lewis Miley, Bruno Guimaraes and Emil Krafth are sidelined for the Magpies.
Predicted line-ups
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sanchez, Gusto, Sarr, Chalobah, Cucurella, Caicedo, Santos, Fernandez, Palmer, Garnacho, Joao Pedro.
Newcastle United (4-3-3): Ramsdale, Trippier, Thiaw, Burn, Hall, Willock, Tonali, Joelinton, Murphy, Woltemade, Barnes.
Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle United.