Chelsea vs Newcastle: Key Details and Match Preview

By Milcah Tanimu

As Chelsea prepares to face Newcastle, here’s all you need to know about the upcoming clash between the two teams:

1. Previous Encounters: Chelsea and Newcastle have already faced each other twice this season. The Magpies secured a victory at St James’ Park, but Chelsea prevailed in London with a late equalizer, eventually winning in a penalty shootout to reach the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
2. Monday Night Success: Monday night football has been a lucky charm for Chelsea, who are unbeaten in the last eight Premier League games at the start of the week, winning five. Chelsea has experienced a clean sweep of derby wins on Mondays this season.
3. Stamford Bridge Dominance: Chelsea has lost only once to Newcastle in the league at Stamford Bridge in the past 38 years.
4. Key Stat: Despite dropping points in the previous week against Brentford, a win over Newcastle would place Chelsea just one point behind the eighth-placed opponents, with a game in hand.
5. Newcastle’s Struggles Away: Eddie Howe’s Newcastle has struggled on the road, dropping points in 10 out of 13 Premier League away matches, including eight defeats. The last visiting team to leave Stamford Bridge with all three points in March was Sunderland in 2001.
6. Home Form: Chelsea, playing the first of five home matches from six across all competitions, has won four of the past five Premier League top-flight fixtures at home.

Team News:

• Chelsea continues to face injury issues, with Levi Colwill, Ben Chilwell, and Conor Gallagher ruled out.
• Thiago Silva and Marc Cucurella could be back in contention.
• Cesare Casadei, Jimi Turiainen, and possibly the returning Carney Chukwuemeka might feature in midfield.
• Mauricio Pochettino is likely to revert to a back four after experimenting with a back three in the previous game against Brentford.

The stage is set for an intriguing match between Chelsea and Newcastle, with both teams eyeing crucial points in the Premier League.