Relegation-threatened Newcastle United will play host to Premier League pacesetters Chelsea at St James’ Park on Sunday afternoon. It’s time to preview the game and take a look at the expected lineups.
The recent Saudi-led consortium’s takeover of the Magpies has failed to inspire Newcastle’s on-field rebirth as the relegation prospect starts to gain momentum. Heading into proceedings as one of only two Premier League sides yet to pick up a win this season, the Tynesiders face uncertain times.
Unlike their hosts, Chelsea have hit the ground running in the Premier League from the opening weekend. However, with the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City also maintaining a high level of consistency, the Blues can ill-afford any slip-up here if they are to retain the top spot.
Newcastle United Form Preview
It has been a nightmarish start to the season for Newcastle as they’ve won none of their nine inaugural Premier League matches so far (D4, L5). A run of eight league fixtures without a single win prompted Steve Bruce’s decision to step down and leave the managerial post to interim coach Graeme Jones.
Jones was fortunate to see his team steal away a point against Crystal Palace last time out. Callum Wilson’s second-half equalizer canceled out Palace’s half-time lead, ensuring Newcastle’s third 1-1 draw in five Premier League games.
Another failed attempt to land all three points here would see the Magpies go winless in their first ten matches of a new top-flight season for the third time in the club’s history. That may not necessarily mean a relegation, especially considering they’ve retained their top-flight status on both previous such occasions, most recently in 2018/19.
Worryingly, though, Newcastle have conceded more goals (43) and kept fewer clean sheets (two) at home than any other Premier League side since the start of last season. Indeed, they have yet to register a shutout at St James’ Park this term, letting in 2+ goals in three of their four league outings here so far.
Player to watch: Callum Wilson
In addition to his abovementioned equalizer against Palace, Wilson has been in stellar form lately. The ex-Bournemouth striker has had his hand in six goals across his last six Premier League appearances, as many as he managed in his 21 in the competition beforehand.
Having found the net in his last three top-flight matches, Wilson will be looking to score in four in a row for only the second time in his career.
Chelsea Form Preview
Tuchel has rallied his troops in the wake of a 1-0 home loss to Manchester City in late September, with Chelsea racking up three consecutive Premier League wins since then. The reigning Champions League holders brushed aside lowly Norwich City 7-0 at Stamford Bridge last time out before going past Southampton in midweek Carabao Cup action via penalties.
Encouraged by a series of decent performances, Chelsea will be gunning for four consecutive Premier League triumphs for the second time under Tuchel. Having won five of their last six top-flight meetings with Newcastle (L1) – including a brace of 2-0 wins in 2020/21 – the Blues will relish their winning prospects here.
Except for a 1-1 draw with Liverpool at Anfield in late August, Chelsea have won each of their remaining three Premier League away matches without conceding. A water-tight defense, coupled with a lethal frontline, has so far proved to be Tuchel’s formula for success in west London.
Defensively robust, the Pensioners have conceded a league-low three goals in the Premier League this term. In the meantime, only Liverpool (27) have eclipsed Chelsea’s tally of 23 goals scored in England’s top-flight to date.
Player to watch: Mason Mount
Since he won’t be able to count on the likes of Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner due to injuries, Tuchel will likely put his side’s fate into Mason Mount’s hands. The 22-year-old playmaker has taken his part in more Premier League goals (11) than any other Chelsea player since the German’s arrival at the helm.
Mason has netted seven goals and laid on four assists in the Premier League, including his first Chelsea hat-trick against Norwich last time out.
Newcastle United vs Chelsea Predicted Lineups
Newcastle United (5-3-2): Karl Darlow; Javier Manquillo, Emil Krafth, Jamaal Lascelles, Ciaran Clark, Matt Ritchie; Isaac Hayden, Sean Longstaff, Miguel Almiron; Allan Saint-Maximin, Callum Wilson.
Chelsea (3-4-2-1): Edouard Mendy; Trevoh Chalobah, Thiago Silva, Antonio Rudiger; Reece James, Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic, Ben Chilwell; Mason Mount, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Kai Havertz.