Premier League: Newcastle vs. Chelsea Picks — UCL Rivals Collide at St. James’ Park (May 11)

An early start time is set for Sunday’s clash between Newcastle and Chelsea, with the action at St. James’ Park getting underway at 7:00 AM ET.

There will be pressure on both sides this weekend. The Magpies currently sit a place higher than the Blues in the league standings, but their form has been slightly more inconsistent after winning just one of their last three.

Chelsea’s form has hit new heights in recent weeks after winning each of their last three to seize control of fifth spot in the league standings. The winner of this fixture on Sunday could end the round as high as third in the table.

Odds

Chelsea Hold Recent Advantage Over Magpies

Chelsea have recorded victories in each of their last two Premier League matches against Newcastle. That includes a 2-1 success in the reverse fixture at Stamford Bridge in October.

However, at St. James’ Park, Newcastle have won their previous two against Chelsea. The Magpies also recorded a home win over the Blues earlier this season in the EFL Cup.

Newcastle vs. Chelsea Key Stats

• Last weekend’s 1-1 draw at Brighton ended a 20-game wait for a tie for Newcastle. Since a 3-3 draw with Liverpool, the Magpies had won 14 and lost six of their last 20 EPL matches.
• Chelsea’s confidence will be high after ending a ten-game wait for a win against Liverpool last weekend. In the process, they became the first team to win two Premier League matches against teams that had already been confirmed as champions.

Newcastle Team News

Kieran Trippier and Fabian Schar should both be fit enough to start for the Magpies this weekend. However, Joelinton and Lewis Hall are both set to miss the remainder of the 2024-25 season.

Possible Lineup

N. Pope (GK); K. Trippier, F. Schar, D. Burn, T. Livramento, J. Willock, S. Tonali, B. Guimaraes, J. Murphy, A. Isak, A. Gordon

Chelsea Team News

Christopher Nkunku has been ruled out for a couple of weeks. Wesley Fofana is also unlikely to return this season due to a thigh injury.

Possible Lineup

R. Sanchez (GK); R. James, T. Chalobah, L. Colwill, M. Cucurella, M. Caicedo, E. Fernandez, P. Neto, C. Palmer, N. Madueke, N. Jackson

Newcastle vs. Chelsea Picks

While Chelsea may boast a fine recent record against Newcastle, the Blues have struggled on their recent trips to St. James’ Park.

Newcastle’s home form has been reliable throughout the campaign, and a win this weekend could all but secure their spot in next season’s Champions League. With a passionate support behind them, we will be siding with the home win.