Newcastle United vs Chelsea: Match Preview, Latest Team News and How to Watch | OneFootball

Newcastle And Chelsea Meet Amid Pressure And Possibility

Newcastle versus Chelsea rarely arrives quietly, but this Premier League meeting carries an added layer of scrutiny. For Chelsea, attention continues to circle around Enzo Maresca, a head coach navigating results, expectation and noise with varying degrees of comfort. A “thinly veiled jab” at the club’s hierarchy after a routine 2-0 win over Everton did little to calm the background hum, while reports linking Manchester City with a possible move for him have only sharpened the focus.

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Chelsea arrive on Tyneside with momentum, back to back wins easing some of the tension, including a Carabao Cup victory over Cardiff. Yet this trip has historically been awkward terrain, and the wider context of Newcastle’s campaign ensures that nothing here feels predictable.

Context Surrounding Managers And Momentum

Maresca’s situation has been complicated rather than clarified by recent events. The Italian remains under scrutiny despite results ticking upwards, and even progress seems to invite further questioning. Chelsea’s league form has stabilised, but the sense of a club in transition persists.

Newcastle, meanwhile, come into the game from a more visceral place. A damaging derby defeat to Sunderland bruised pride, but Eddie Howe’s side responded by eliminating Fulham in the Carabao Cup, doing so while stretched to the limit by injuries. It has become a familiar pattern, adversity followed by resistance, even if the long term toll is beginning to show.

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Injury List Shapes Selection Choices

Chelsea’s injury picture has improved, though absentees remain. Liam Delap is the most notable, sidelined since a shoulder injury against Bournemouth in December. Estevao is also unavailable with a “small muscle problem” and is not expected back before Christmas. Cole Palmer’s minutes are being managed following a groin issue, but he is expected to feature after missing Tuesday’s cup tie. Dario Essugo, Romeo Lavia and Levi Colwill all remain sidelined.

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Newcastle’s list is longer and more severe. Dan Burn suffered a punctured lung and rib injury after a heavy challenge from Nordi Mukiele in the Tyne and Wear Derby. Defensive options are threadbare, with Kieran Trippier, Emil Krafth, Sven Botman and Jamal Lascelles also unavailable. Former Chelsea players Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall are expected to miss out with knee and hamstring injuries respectively, although Hall “has a chance” of featuring, according to Howe. Will Osula and Nick Pope complete an injury list that threatens to reshape the entire side.

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Prediction Framed By History And Circumstance

Chelsea’s record at St James’ Park offers little reassurance, with just three wins from their last 13 visits. Newcastle claimed two 2-0 victories there last season, one in the Carabao Cup and another in the league, the latter aided by Nicolas Jackson’s red card.

Yet circumstances matter. This feels like a moment when Chelsea can exploit Newcastle’s physical limitations. The Magpies’ injury crisis has eroded continuity, and while the atmosphere will remain intense, emotion alone may not be enough. Newcastle’s derby defeat has dented momentum, and sustaining intensity across 90 minutes with a patched up side is a tall order.

Chelsea to win, 3-2.

Match Details And Broadcast Information

Newcastle vs Chelsea kicks off at 12.30pm GMT on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at St James’ Park. The match will be shown live in the UK on TNT Sports 1, with coverage beginning at 11am. Live streaming is available via the Discovery+ app and website, while highlights will appear on Sky Sports platforms and Match of the Day on BBC One at 10.20pm.

Head to head history favours Chelsea overall, with 80 wins to Newcastle’s 58, alongside 40 draws. Recent meetings, however, suggest this fixture remains finely balanced.