Newcastle vs Chelsea Preview: A Challenge at St. James' Park

Match context: Newcastle vs Chelsea

At 7:30 PM on December 20, 2025, Newcastle will host Chelsea at St. James' Park in a Premier League match. This game is crucial for both teams: Chelsea need a win to maintain their position in the top four, while Newcastle are looking to improve their mid-table ranking.

Form and position in the league table

Chelsea currently sit in 4th place with 28 points after 16 matches. The London team has been in fairly consistent form with 2 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss in their last 5 games. With 27 goals scored and only 15 conceded, they demonstrate a good balance between attack and defense.

On the other side of the pitch, Newcastle are ranked 12th with 22 points. Despite a decent run of form with 3 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss in their last 5 matches, the "Magpies" are facing several difficulties. Their biggest strength is their home record, where they have won 5 out of their 6 home games this season.

History of confrontations

In their last five encounters, the results have been fairly balanced, with each team having two wins and one draw. However, a notable statistic is that Newcastle have won both of their last two home matches against Chelsea at St. James' Park, both with a 2-0 scoreline. This shows that Newcastle's home ground is a challenging destination for Chelsea.

Force situation

This is the most worrying issue for the home team. Newcastle will be missing a number of key players due to injury, including important defenders such as Sven Botman (back), Dan Burn (chest), Emil Krafth (knee), Valentino Livramento (knee), and Kieran Trippier (hamstring). Goalkeeper Nick Pope's availability is also uncertain.

Chelsea will also be without their strongest squad. They will be missing Levi Colwill (knee), Romeo Lavia (thigh), and Mykhailo Mudryk due to suspensions. However, the impact of these absences is not considered as serious as that of their opponents.

Analysis and predictions

Despite having home advantage and a favorable head-to-head record, a wave of injuries, particularly in the defense, is posing a significant challenge for Newcastle. The loss of key players will greatly impact their defensive capabilities.

With more consistent form, fewer injuries, and a sharper attack, Chelsea are considered the favorites in this encounter. However, St. James' Park has never been an easy destination. A draw or a narrow victory for the visitors is the most likely scenario.

Team lineup updated at 18:53 on December 20, 2025.

Official lineup

Newcastle

Diagram: 4-3-3

CoachEddie Howe

Starting lineup:

• 32. Aaron Ramsdale (G)
• 67. Lewis Miley (D)
• 12. Malick Thiaw (D)
• 5. Fabian Schär (D)
• 3. Lewis Hall (D)
• 39. Bruno Guimarães (M)
• 8. Sandro Tonali (M)
• 41. Jacob Ramsey (M)
• 23. Jacob Murphy (F)
• 27. Nick Woltemade (F)
• 10. Anthony Gordon (F)

Substitutes:

• 26. John Ruddy
• 37. Alex Murphy
• 61. Leo Shahar
• 7. Joelinton
• 20. Anthony Elanga
• 28. Joe Willock
• 9. Yoane Wissa
• 62. Sean Neave
• 11. Harvey Barnes

Chelsea

Diagram: 4-2-3-1

CoachEnzo Maresca

Starting lineup:

• 1. Robert Sánchez (G)
• 27. Malo Gusto (D)
• 29. Wesley Fofana (D)
• 23. Trevoh Chalobah (D)
• 3. Marc Cucurella (D)
• 24. Reece James (M)
• 25. Moisés Caicedo (M)
• 7. Pedro Neto (M)
• 10. Cole Palmer (M)
• 49. Alejandro Garnacho (M)
• 20. João Pedro (F)

Substitutes:

• 12. Filip Jørgensen
• 34. Josh Acheampong
• 5. Benoît Badiashile
• 4. Tosin Adarabioyo
• 21. Jorrel Hato
• 17. Andrey Santos
• 40. Facundo Buonanotte
• 8. Enzo Fernández
• 38. Marc Guiu