A pivotal Premier League encounter kicks off the festive weekend at St. James’ Park, as a wounded Newcastle United side hosts a Chelsea team navigating its own turbulent waters.
Both teams arrive with a point to prove. Eddie Howe’s Newcastle suffered the ultimate ignominy last weekend. They lost the Tyne-Wear derby to Sunderland courtesy of a Nick Woltemade own goal. Consequently, the Magpies sit 12th in the table and are desperate for consistency.
They face an Enzo Maresca-led Chelsea side that ended a four-game winless streak by beating Everton 2-0. However, the victory was overshadowed by the manager’s explosive post-match rant against internal critics. The Blues are currently eight points adrift of leaders Arsenal. Furthermore, both sides booked their place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals midweek.
Newcastle United vs Chelsea – Match Preview and Team News
- Date: Saturday, 20 December 2025
- Kick-off: 12:30 pm GMT
- Venue: St. James’ Park, Newcastle
- Referee: Andy Madley
- VAR: Peter Bankes
- Last Meeting: Newcastle United 2-0 Chelsea, 11 May 2025, Premier League
Team News
Newcastle United
Eddie Howe is contending with a worsening defensive crisis. Dan Burn suffered a brutal rib injury in the derby defeat. In addition, Valentino Livramento limped off midweek. Both are ruled out. They join Sven Botman, Kieran Trippier, and Emil Krafth on the absentee list. Therefore, youngster Lewis Miley is expected to fill in at right-back. Lewis Hall faces a race against time to be fit for the left-back slot.
Chelsea
Enzo Maresca is sweating on the fitness of Brazilian sensation Estêvão. He missed the midweek cup tie with a muscle injury and is a major doubt alongside Liam Delap. Captain Reece James is set to partner the returning Moisés Caicedo in midfield. This means Enzo Fernández could be the high-profile casualty dropped to the bench. Meanwhile, Malo Gusto’s sensational form sees him retain the right-back spot.
Form
Newcastle United
St. James’ Park has been a fortress against Chelsea recently. The Magpies have won their last three Premier League home games against the Blues. In fact, a win here would match their best-ever home winning streak against Chelsea. However, defensively, they are leaking goals. Newcastle have conceded in each of their last nine league games. Failing to keep a clean sheet here would mark the first time under Howe they’ve gone 10 games without a shutout.
Chelsea
Chelsea boast the league’s joint-best defensive record with eight clean sheets. Notably, they have kept a shutout in five of their last seven games. Their away form has also improved significantly. They have kept four clean sheets in their last five road trips. Despite this, they historically struggle on Tyneside and lost this fixture 2-0 last season.
Predicted Lineups
Newcastle United predicted XI: Ramsdale; Miley, Thiaw, Schär, Hall; Tonali, Guimarães, Joelinton; Barnes, Woltemade, Gordon
Chelsea predicted XI: Sánchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; James, Caicedo; Neto, Palmer, Garnacho; Pedro
How to watch Newcastle United vs Chelsea?
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate. Coverage starts at 11:30 am GMT.
Read- Champions League draw sets up potential Arsenal and Chelsea showdown
See more- 📈 Power Rankings: Arsenal edge up, Man City climb
