Chelsea nearly spoiled Liverpool’s day at Anfield last week, with Nicolas Jackson equalizing shortly after Mohamed Salah’s penalty. However, Liverpool quickly regained the lead with Curtis Jones’ goal, handing Chelsea their first league loss since opening weekend. Chelsea did rebound in the Conference League, with Joao Felix scoring twice in a solid 4-1 win over Panathinaikos.
Currently sitting sixth in the Premier League, Chelsea could climb into the top four this weekend depending on other results. Still, defensive lapses remain a concern—they've now gone five games without a clean sheet. On the bright side, their attack has been lively, netting in each of their last 12 games and racking up 17 goals in their last six at Stamford Bridge.
Newcastle, on the other hand, have struggled offensively in October. After a scoreless draw with Everton before the break, they lost 1-0 to Brighton last weekend, where Danny Welbeck’s goal proved decisive. Despite high expectations since their 2021 takeover, Newcastle have now gone four league games without a win, slipping to ninth in the table.
The Magpies have managed just one goal across their last three games—a scrappy EFL Cup win over AFC Wimbledon. However, Eddie Howe has led Newcastle to victory over Chelsea in two of his four meetings, including a commanding 4-1 win last season. Chelsea did get some payback with an EFL Cup shootout win and a 3-2 league win at Stamford Bridge, and the two sides are set to meet again at St James' Park for the League Cup just days after Sunday’s clash.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
With Reece James back from his recent hamstring injury and even starting in the Liverpool game, Chelsea go into Sunday with a fully fit squad. Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana will also return from their domestic suspensions.Cucurella was one of 11 changes in Thursday’s lineup, and Enzo Maresca will likely shake things up again for Sunday. Joao Felix, after his two-goal performance midweek, might get the nod over Jadon Sancho. Cole Palmer had a tough game against Liverpool, but his goal or assist every 63 minutes at Stamford Bridge is second only to Erling Haaland’s home record in the Premier League.
Newcastle, meanwhile, will be without Callum Wilson, who’s sidelined with a back issue for at least three games. Sven Botman, Kieran Trippier, Jamaal Lascelles, and Martin Dubravka are also out due to injuries, though Dan Burn is cleared to play after his ankle knock against Brighton.
In attack, Harvey Barnes may replace Jacob Murphy, while former Chelsea academy players Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento are set to start at full-back for the visitors.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Chelsea possible starting lineup:Sanchez; James, Fofana, Colwill, Gusto; Fernandez, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson
Newcastle United possible starting lineup:
Pope; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Joelinton, Tonali, Guimaraes; Barnes, Isak, Gordon
EXPERT PREDICTION
Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle United
Chelsea have been prone to conceding, but Newcastle's finishing has been lacking this month, and it’s unlikely they’ll break through against Chelsea's refreshed lineup. Chelsea haven’t lost a Premier League home game to Newcastle since 2012, and they’re expected to keep that streak going on Sunday before meeting again in the EFL Cup.
