Newcastle vs Chelsea Preview

• Chelsea to win
• Both teams to score

In a quick rematch following their recent Premier League encounter, Newcastle United and Chelsea are set to face off at St James’ Park on Wednesday night, with a coveted spot in the EFL Cup quarter-finals at stake.

The Magpies, struggling to gain form in the league, will see this cup tie as an opportunity to gain momentum, while Chelsea, enjoying a successful season start, will aim to keep their early-season form rolling by advancing further in this competition. Here’s a comprehensive preview of this highly anticipated matchup.

Recent Form and EFL Cup Journey

Newcastle United’s Rocky Start

Despite high expectations following a promising seventh-place finish last season, Newcastle has experienced a challenging start to the 2024-25 campaign.

After an encouraging four-game unbeaten streak in the league, Eddie Howe’s men have seen their form dip with a five-game winless run, including a recent 2-1 loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Although Alexander Isak found the back of the net, goals from Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer sealed a disappointing result for Newcastle.

In the EFL Cup, however, Newcastle has shown resilience. They narrowly defeated Nottingham Forest on penalties in the second round and secured a third-round victory over AFC Wimbledon thanks to a Fabian Schar penalty.

For Newcastle, who last lifted a major trophy in 1955, the EFL Cup represents a prime opportunity to end their silverware drought, but they face an uphill battle with Chelsea’s strong lineup looming.

Chelsea’s Rejuvenation Under Maresca

Chelsea, now under the guidance of Enzo Maresca, has found form this season after a rocky few years.

Currently sitting in fifth place in the Premier League, the Blues recently returned to winning ways in Europe and domestically, with a decisive 2-1 win over Newcastle over the weekend.

Star players Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer continue to shine, with Palmer emerging as a key player with his creative prowess.

In the EFL Cup, Chelsea dispatched League Two side Barrow with ease, racking up a dominant 5-0 win where Christopher Nkunku stole the show with a hat-trick.

Maresca is likely to rotate his lineup once more, giving squad players a chance to shine while keeping his squad fresh for Premier League and Conference League action. Chelsea’s depth could be the key to maintaining their winning streak at St James’ Park.

Head-to-Head Record and Recent Encounters

In recent meetings, Chelsea holds the upper hand, including Sunday’s 2-1 Premier League victory. Historically, St James’ Park has proven a challenging venue for visiting teams, but Chelsea’s current form may make them slight favourites heading into Wednesday’s rematch.

Team News and Predicted Lineups

Newcastle United

Newcastle faces several fitness concerns, particularly in their forward and defensive lines. Anthony Gordon, a crucial figure for the Magpies, is doubtful due to a groin injury sustained in training.

Eddie Howe may opt to start Jacob Murphy and Will Osula to bolster the attack in Gordon’s absence, while Isak could be given a rest.

The defensive line is also depleted, with Kieran Trippier and Jamaal Lascelles sidelined and Sven Botman ruled out until the New Year with a ligament injury. Eddie Howe will need to rely on players like Emil Krafth and Tino Livramento to fill these defensive gaps.

Newcastle United Predicted Starting XI: 

Vlachodimos; Livramento, Krafth, Schar, Kelly; Longstaff, Willock, Tonali; Murphy, Osula, Isak

Chelsea

Chelsea’s squad remains largely fit, with only Ben Chilwell in doubt due to illness. Maresca is expected to field a rotated lineup, with several stars from last week’s Conference League win, such as Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Joao Felix, returning to the lineup.

Christopher Nkunku, who has proven effective in front of goal, will likely lead the attack, supported by Mudryk and Sancho.

Chelsea Predicted Starting XI:  

Jorgensen; Disasi, Badiashile, Adarabioyo, Cucurella; Fernandez, Dewsbury-Hall; Sancho, Felix, Mudryk; Nkunku

Key Players to Watch

Alexander Isak (Newcastle United): Although he may start from the bench, Isak’s role as Newcastle’s leading scorer makes him a critical component of their attack. If the game remains close, Howe may turn to him to provide a much-needed spark up front.

Christopher Nkunku (Chelsea): Fresh off a hat-trick in the previous EFL Cup round, Nkunku will look to exploit Newcastle’s weakened defence. His eye for goal and positioning could make him the difference-maker in this fixture.

Match Prediction

With both sides expected to make significant changes to their starting XIs, this match may lack the fluidity seen in their recent Premier League meeting.

Chelsea’s depth in attack, however, could prove decisive against a Newcastle squad missing key defensive players. While the Magpies will have the backing of the St James’ Park crowd, Chelsea’s quality up front and their recent winning momentum may see them edge out a narrow victory.

Prediction: Newcastle United 1-2 Chelsea

Expect a competitive match with moments of brilliance deciding the outcome. Chelsea’s wealth of attacking options should be enough to see them advance to the quarter-finals at the expense of Newcastle.