As things stand, Newcastle sits in seventh place with 20 points from 12 matches, while Chelsea is four places behind, with four points fewer in the 10th spot. Newcastle's seven-game unbeaten league run came to an end just before the international break when they lost 2-0 to Bournemouth, Eddie Howe's former side.
The defeat followed a 2-0 loss to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League. Injuries have posed challenges for Newcastle, but the international break provides an opportunity for Eddie Howe's squad to regroup and allow key players to regain fitness before a challenging series of fixtures against the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, Everton, Tottenham Hotspur, and AC Milan.
Despite their setbacks, Newcastle has been formidable at St James' Park, winning their last four Premier League home games without conceding a goal. Their upcoming clash with Chelsea is part of a tough stretch of fixtures, but they aim to continue their home dominance.
In contrast, Chelsea heads into the match with confidence after securing four crucial points in recent encounters with Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City. The Blues defeated a nine-man Spurs team 4-1 in North London and played to a thrilling 4-4 draw against league leaders Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.
Despite only winning four of their first 12 Premier League games, Chelsea has shown promise, losing just one of their last eight across all competitions and demonstrating an improved attacking prowess with 20 goals in that period, compared to seven in the opening matches of the season.
Mauricio Pochettino's challenge is to maintain this positive momentum and aim for European positions. Chelsea, historically, has struggled in away games against Newcastle, losing 13 Premier League matches at St James' Park.
Although they suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat there last season, it's noteworthy that nine of the 11 players who started that match have since left the club. Success on Saturday will be crucial for Chelsea as they seek to build consistent form in the weeks ahead.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Newcastle's extensive list of injuries features Sven Botman (knee), Callum Wilson, Matt Targett (both dealing with hamstring issues), Dan Burn, Elliot Anderson (both nursing back problems), Harvey Barnes (recovering from a foot injury), Jacob Murphy (shoulder concern), and Javi Manquillo (groin). Sandro Tonali is suspended, and Lewis Hall is ineligible to play against his parent club Chelsea.On a positive note, Alexander Isak (groin), Miguel Almiron (thigh), Sean Longstaff (recovering from an ankle injury), and Fabian Schar (hamstring) could potentially return to the matchday squad this weekend.
Bruno Guimaraes is available after serving a one-match suspension. Kieran Trippier, who withdrew from England duty for personal reasons earlier in the week, is expected to play on Saturday, likely joining Schar, Jamaal Lascelles, and former Chelsea player Valentino Livramento in the back four.
Turning to Chelsea, Ben Chilwell (hamstring), Wesley Fofana, Carney Chukwuemeka (both dealing with knee problems), Trevoh Chalobah (thigh), and Marcus Bettinelli (suffering from an unspecified injury) remain unavailable due to injuries. Saturday's game is likely to come too soon for Christopher Nkunku (knee) and Romeo Lavia (ankle), despite their return to training.
Levi Colwill (shoulder) and Malo Gusto (knee) have participated in training this week and will be assessed before kickoff. Conor Gallagher is expected to overcome an ankle knock by Saturday and start in midfield alongside Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo.
In the attacking front, Palmer, Nicolas Jackson, and Raheem Sterling, all of whom have scored in two of Chelsea's last three games, are set to retain their places in the front three. However, Mykhaylo Mudryk is eager to make a case for himself to rejoin the starting lineup.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Newcastle United possible starting lineup:Pope; Trippier, Lascelles, Schar, Livramento; Longstaff, Guimaraes, Willock; Almiron, Gordon, Joelinton
Chelsea possible starting lineup:
Sanchez; James, Disasi, Silva, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo, Gallagher; Palmer, Jackson, Sterling
EXPERT PREDICTION
Newcastle 2-1 Chelsea
A win for either team would be a considerable morale boost as they approach the busy festive period. However, if Newcastle benefits from the return of key players from injury, the home team is likely to do well enough to secure a draw at the spirited St James' Park.
