Newcastle and Chelsea both reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals in midweek
The Blues are in fourth place in the Premier League, six points better off than the Magpies in 12th
Recommended bet: Over 2.5 goals
Newcastle and Chelsea each go in search of a crucial three points when they clash at St James' Park in the Premier League on Saturday.
The Magpies are returning to top-flight action for the first time since Sunday's derby defeat to Sunderland, but Eddie Howe's men partially made up for that loss by booking their place in the Carabao Cup semi-final on Wednesday.
Chelsea also progressed to the last-four stage of the competition, beating Cardiff on Tuesday, but the Blues have won just one of their last two away games in the league and this will be a tricky trip to Tyneside.
The latest Newcastle vs Chelsea odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Team news
Newcastle's injury issues in defence were added to when full-back Tino Livramento went off injured in Wednesday's Carabao Cup victory over Fulham and the Englishman is a major doubt for this contest.
Left-back Lewis Hall was a notable absentee from the squad for that win against the Cottagers because of a minor hamstring issue and he will need to be assessed.
The defensive quartet of Dan Burn, Kieran Trippier, Emil Krafth and Sven Botman all remain in the treatment room, but Jamaal Lascelles is training after a spell out of action and he could be involved in the matchday squad.
Goalkeeper Nick Pope is expected to miss out again, leaving Aaron Ramsdale to deputise, while William Osula is unavailable and Joelinton, who was an unused sub on Wednesday, is nursing a groin injury.
Chelsea also have a lengthy injury list with Levi Colwill out for the season after doing his ACL and Liam Delap, Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo not expected back until early 2026.
Estevao has a minor muscular problem that will keep him sidelined for this trip to Tyneside.
The latest Newcastle vs Chelsea odds are available on LiveScore Bet
The stats
Newcastle are on a nine-game unbeaten run at home in all competitions (W8 D1).
The Magpies have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last nine fixtures.
Chelsea have won just two of their last six away assignments.
The Blues have lost their last four trips to St James' Park, most recently going down 2-0 in May.
Prediction
Newcastle and Chelsea have both been inconsistent this season and it is difficult to separate the pair heading into this clash on Tyneside, as they boast considerable attacking quality.
The Magpies' home record is formidable and they are a match for anyone at St James' Park, but the amount of defensive injuries Howe is currently dealing with suggests this could be a tough encounter against the free-flowing Blues.
Enzo Maresca's visitors have not been watertight at the back, though, keeping just one clean sheet in their last four away games and there is plenty of scope for Newcastle to find the back of the net.
Over 2.5 goals has been a winning bet in eight of Newcastle's last nine matches and in their last four home assignments, while there have been at least three strikes in 11 of Chelsea's 14 away games.
Back over 2.5 goals at 3/5 with LiveScore Bet
The latest Newcastle vs Chelsea odds are available on LiveScore Bet
