Newcastle United takes on Chelsea today in a major Premier League fixture.
Before the match begins, Newcastle holds fourth place, just ahead of Chelsea based on goal difference. Securing three points in this game would be hugely important for either team in the tight competition for a top-five spot.
Match Details
- Kick-off: 12pm BST
- TV Channel: TNT Sports 1
- Live Stream: discovery+
- Newcastle Lineup: Pope, Livramento, Botman, Schar, Burn, Tonali, Bruno, Murphy, Barnes, Gordon, Isak.
- Chelsea Lineup: Sanchez, Caicedo, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella, Lavia, Enzo, Neto, Palmer, Madueke, Jackson.
Follow our live updates below…
Howe on Changes
Eddie Howe discussed his team selection changes, noting the absence of Kieran Trippier and Joe Willock. He stated, “We need to find the right balance today,” acknowledging the difficulty in replacing Trippier and Willock but highlighting the return of “top players” like Sven Botman and Anthony Gordon who are “historically massive” for the team. He hopes for a good performance.
`Huge One`
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca described the match as “a big one, a huge one.” He emphasized focusing on each remaining game, including Manchester United and Nottingham Forest, aiming to “start in the right way” and win all three remaining fixtures. He noted that the required points total for a top-five finish is unclear, depending on other results, but the team`s focus is solely on winning their matches.
Tight at the Top
The competition for Champions League spots is intensifying, especially after Manchester City dropped points on Saturday. Alongside Newcastle and Chelsea, Manchester City, Aston Villa, and Nottingham Forest are also in contention for the top positions. This match is crucial as the season nears its conclusion.
Chelsea Unchanged
Enzo Maresca named an unchanged Chelsea lineup from the team that defeated Liverpool 3-1. Moises Caicedo starts at right-back but is expected to drift into midfield, a dynamic Anthony Gordon might exploit. Despite playing in the Europa Conference League semi-final in midweek, only Marc Cucurella from that match started against Newcastle.
Toon Switch
Eddie Howe made tactical adjustments for Newcastle due to injuries to Joe Willock and Kieran Trippier. Sven Botman returns to the starting lineup for the first time since February. Howe is expected to deploy a system with three central defenders, with Tino Livramento and Jacob Murphy operating as wing-backs.
Chelsea Team News
Sanchez, Caicedo, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella, Lavia, Enzo, Neto, Palmer, Madueke, Jackson.
Subs: Jorgensen, Tosin, Badiashile, Acheampong, Gusto, James, Dewsbury-Hall, Sancho, George.
Newcastle Team News
Pope, Livramento, Botman, Schar, Burn, Tonali, Bruno, Murphy, Barnes, Gordon, Isak.
Subs: Dubravka, Ruddy, Lascelles, Wilson, Krafth, Osula, Longstaff, Miley, Neave.
Welcome
Welcome to live coverage of the Newcastle United vs Chelsea match. This is a vital encounter in the battle for a top-five finish and Champions League qualification. With only two games remaining after this one, the outcome will have significant implications for both teams.
