Newcastle v Chelsea – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Eddie Howe’s side have won eight of their last nine home matches. The Blues have lost their last four matches away at Newcastle.

Match: Newcastle v Chelsea
When: Saturday, 20 Dec 2025

Newcastle Form

Newcastle are in superb form at St. James’ Park, winning eight of their last nine matches at home. It’s 10 wins in 17 matches in all competitions. The Magpies beat Man City 2-1 and ended a poor away run with a 4-1 victory at Everton. A very late goal conceded saw two points dropped in a 2-2 home draw vs Tottenham.

Newcastle beat Burnley 2-1 at home before a 2-2 draw at Bayer Leverkusen. They once again led a lead slip in the final few minutes in Germany. A poor display with just 0.24 xG produced led to a 1-0 loss at Sunderland last weekend. They bounced back to beat Fulham 2-1 at home in the Carabao Cup.

Newcastle Team News

Eddie Howe is without five defenders for this match. Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn, Sven Botman and Emil Krafth were already injured. They have been joined by Tino Livramento on the treatment table.

William Orsula is ruled out up front, but Lewis Hall could return at left back. Nick Pope is an injury doubt in goal. Nick Woltemade, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton will return to the XI.

Newcastle Motivation

The Magpies will play for the three points in front of their vocal fans. A draw would not be seen as a good result.

An attacking approach is expected in parts. With their defensive injuries, they may have to be circumspect in other parts of the match.

Chelsea Form

Chelsea have won two matches in the last week to end a four match winless streak. After a strong display to beat ten-man Barcelona 3-0 at home, they drew 1-1 at home vs Arsenal with a man less for the second half. A poor 3-1 loss at Leeds followed.

They drew 0-0 at Bournemouth and were beaten 2-1 away by Atalanta in the Champions League. A 2-0 over Everton got the club back on track. In midweek, they beat Cardiff 3-1 away in the Carabao Cup.

Chelsea Team News

Enzo Maresca is without Dario Essugo and Romeo Lavia in midfield. Levi Colwill will play no part in defence. Moises Caicedo is available for league action and will start.

Rory Delap is out with a shoulder injury and Estevao Willian is doubtful. Cole Palmer is fit to return to the XI for this match.

Chelsea Motivation

The Blues will go to Newcastle and try to win. A draw is not a bad result in reality.

Maresca’s team will try to control proceedings and dominate possession.

Key Stats

• Newcastle have won 8 of their last 9 home matches
• Newcastle have scored exactly 2 goals in 8 of their last 9 home matches
• Chelsea have won 2 of their last 6 matches (2 losses, 2 draws)
• Chelsea have lost their last 4 matches at St. James’ Park

Verdict

Newcastle are flying at home and usually beat Chelsea. With the hosts’ defensive injuries, both sides should score in this one.

Best Bet: Newcastle win at 2.66

Value Bet: Newcastle win and both teams to score at 4.33