Chelsea travel back to London to host Newcastle United in a match with big implications for Champions League hopes next season.
Form Guide and Match Context
Newcastle sit in 12th place in the Premier League table having just come off the back of a famous win over Manchester United at St James’ Park, they sit just 9 points away from Chelsea.
The Magpies’ win over United was really their first big result in a while.
Previously, they lost games to Everton, Manchester City and Brentford before that in the Premier League.
Their away record is one that they will want to improve, starting against Chelsea. They have only won 1 away game in the league in 2026 so far (W1, D1, L2).
Newcastle’s poor form can be attributed to being unlucky with injuries, while also not having the depth to really compete.
However, they are on a high at the moment following their most recent game against Barcelona.
Eddie Howe’s men got a respectable draw at St James’ Park, and were unlucky not to come away with a win.
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s European adventure didn’t quite go as planned, with a 15-minute collapse seeing them all but knocked out of the Champions League, following a crushing 5-2 defeat to PSG.
Filip Jorgensen will see the criticism for that match targeted his way, as will Liam Rosenior.
In terms of Chelsea’s league standings, they sit 5th and 3 points behind 4th place Aston Villa, but something they will want to turn into positivity is the toxic atmosphere at home games as of late.
Chelsea haven’t won a home game in the Premier League in over a month, with their last victory, coming against West Ham.
What followed was two very disappointing collapses against strugglers Burnley and Leeds United.
Head-to-head insight
Chelsea will take confidence in the fact that their record against Newcastle at Stamford Bridge, has been pretty impressive as of late.
The Blues have lost just 1 of the 30 home games played against Newcastle at home.
The last time they saw defeat was in 2012, where they lost 0-2 and that infamous Papiss Cisse goal was born.
In terms of this season, Chelsea ended up drawing 2-2 with Newcastle in the reverse fixture. That was thanks to a superb comeback, after a Nick Woltemade double.
Stats to know
- Chelsea have scored in every Premier League home game since their opening day 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace.
- Newcastle have lost 4 of their last 6 away games in the Premier League.
- Newcastle are 17th in the Premier League table on away results.
- Chelsea are undefeated in their last 15 home matches against Newcastle.
Players to Watch & Team News
Newcastle forward Anthony Gordon will be a threat to Chelsea’s defence.
Gordon recently returned to full training following a recent illness. His pace could be a problem for Chelsea’s back line.
For Chelsea, it seems like Cole Palmer will remain the Blues’ main threat along with Joao Pedro.
Considering they got taken off early against PSG, you can imagine they will play at least 60 minutes against Newcastle.
Estevao is still out with a hamstring problem. So the Blues will be without their Brazilian wonder kid once again.
Jamie Gittens has started to feature more often for Chelsea in training as of late, so there could be a chance he makes the bench.
Pedro Neto has also been banned for one game following his conduct against Arsenal. So, expect Alejandro Garnacho to play a main role at Stamford Bridge.
Newcastle’s injury problems are slightly more pressing. Bruno Guimaraes is out until mid-April with a hamstring problem.
Fabian Schar is sidelined following ankle surgery, and Lewis Miley is also doubtful, but Tino Livramento and Joelinton recently returned to training.
Potential Lineups
Chelsea: 4-2-3-1 – Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Santos; Palmer, Fernandez, Garnacho; Joao Pedro.
Newcastle: 4-3-3 – Ramsdale; Trippier, Thiaw, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Willock, Joelinton; Gordon, Barnes, Elanga
Where to watch
United Kingdom: Sky Sports
United States: Peacock
Canada: Fubo
India: JioHotstar
Australia: Stan Sport
Nigeria: SuperSport
Conclusion and Prediction
On paper, this looks like a pretty simple task for Chelsea. Newcastle’s away record in the Premier League is relegation form, so it’s not out of the question to assume Chelsea should win this.
However, simple is not a word Chelsea seem to know this season.
There always seems to be a danger they make things difficult for themselves, particularly against underperforming opponents.
Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro will once again be important to the outcome of Chelsea’s game.
If they’re on form then it is likely that the Blues can get the 3 points.
But Newcastle’s pace in attack might be a problem, especially for a Chelsea defence which has looked more and more fragile each game Rosenior takes charge.
Prediction: Chelsea 3-2 Newcastle
