Both teams are tied on 63 points, with Newcastle currently sitting fourth and Chelsea just behind on goal difference. With only a few games left in the season, this match could go a long way in deciding who finishes in the top five — and who misses out.
Newcastle come into the match looking to bounce back after a mixed run of results. They’ve dropped points in two of their last three games — a heavy 4-1 loss to Aston Villa and a 1-1 draw with Brighton — but remain one of the league’s most consistent sides over the past few months. In fact, only Liverpool have picked up more points than the Magpies over the last 20 Premier League matches.
Their home form has been a major strength. Eddie Howe’s side have won five straight at St James’ Park, scoring three or more goals in four of those matches — including big wins over Manchester United (4-1), Crystal Palace (5-0), and Forest (4-3). Newcastle also knocked Chelsea out of the EFL Cup this season and have beaten the Blues in seven of their last 11 home league encounters. Under Howe, they’ve won all three home matches against Chelsea with a combined score of 7-1.
Despite that, Chelsea arrive on Tyneside in good form. After a rocky start to 2025 that saw them slip down the table, Enzo Maresca’s side have turned things around. They’ve won their last three league matches, their second-longest winning run of the season, capped off by a 3-1 win over a rotated Liverpool side last weekend. Star midfielder Cole Palmer seems to be back in form, playing a key role in their recent success.
The turnaround began with a dramatic 2-1 win at Fulham on April 20, which ended an eight-game winless streak away from home that stretched back to early December. That victory sparked a run of five straight wins in all competitions — including European action — and lifted Chelsea back into the Champions League conversation.
Maresca is now aiming for a second straight away league win — something Chelsea haven’t achieved since November — to strengthen their grip on a top-five finish and end their two-year absence from Europe’s top competition.
With both sides desperate for points and only three matches left, Sunday’s clash promises to be intense, emotional, and potentially decisive.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
Newcastle have already suffered some major injury blows, with captain Jamaal Lascelles ruled out long-term due to a knee injury and Lewis Hall sidelined for the rest of the season with a foot problem. But manager Eddie Howe delivered even worse news this week, revealing that Joelinton may also miss the remainder of the campaign — a huge setback for the Magpies in the final stretch.
Matt Targett is also expected to miss out with a hamstring issue, while Fabian Schär’s availability is uncertain. If he’s not fit, Sven Botman could be called on to start alongside Dan Burn at the heart of defence.
Up front, Alexander Isak continues to be vital for Newcastle. While he trails Mohamed Salah by five goals in the Golden Boot race (Salah has 28), Isak has matched the Liverpool star with nine match-winners this season. His 23 goals account for nearly 35% of Newcastle’s total league tally — only Nottingham Forest’s Chris Wood has a higher share of his team’s goals. Isak also leads the league in home goals (12), highlighting his impact at St James’ Park.
Even though Chelsea haven’t historically been his favourite opponent, the Swedish striker has scored in each of his last four matches against them across all competitions — and will be looking to keep that streak going on Sunday.
As for Chelsea, while teenage striker Marc Guiu is unlikely to start, his potential return to the bench could provide an extra attacking option, especially with Christopher Nkunku still sidelined. The Blues are also without Wesley Fofana for the rest of the season following hamstring surgery, and reserve defender Aaron Anselmino is unavailable due to a similar injury, though he wasn’t expected to feature.
Unless there are any late fitness concerns — particularly for Romeo Lavia, who has struggled with injuries all season — manager Enzo Maresca is likely to stick with the same starting XI for the third consecutive league game. Moises Caicedo, recently named Chelsea’s Player of the Season, could again fill in at full-back, drifting into midfield when in possession to help build play.
Meanwhile, Cole Palmer, fresh off a standout display against Liverpool that ended a 12-game league goal drought, will be eyeing back-to-back goals for the first time since January as he looks to add to his 15-goal Premier League tally.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Newcastle United possible starting lineup:
Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento; Guimaraes, Tonali, Willock; Murphy, Isak, Gordon
Chelsea possible starting lineup:
Sanchez; Caicedo, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Lavia, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Madueke; Jackson
EXPERT PREDICTION
Newcastle 2-1 Chelsea
