Newcastle vs Chelsea Prediction: Lineups, Odds and Stats

*Odds are subject to change.

Newcastle face Chelsea in round 17 of the 2025-2026 English Premier League (EPL) season. The west Londoners aim to put pressure on the English Premier League (EPL) top three, while the home fans will be in full voice to inspire Eddie Howe’s Newcastle.

Kick-off from St James’ Park is at 12:30 pm on Saturday, 20th December 2025. Referee Andrew Madley will officiate Saturday’s action.

Newcastle vs Chelsea Prediction

Chelsea failed to win on their last two journeys to Tyneside. Newcastle are tough to beat at home. So, I predict a draw result (3.60 at Bet365), as Chelsea will have to settle for a point.

Both sides look solid defensively so far this season. Plus, recent H2H meetings point to under 2.5 goals (2.20 at Bet365).

Newcastle Analysis

Newcastle sit twelfth in the EPL table (W6 D4 L6), having accrued 22 points in 16 matches. The Magpies have scored just 21 and conceded 20 for a +1 goal difference.

Newcastle are in decent form, winning three of their five recent league games. The Magpies beat Fulham 2-1 in the League Cup quarter-final in midweek. That confidence booster came after a 1-0 derby day loss to Sunderland last Sunday, which snapped a four-game unbeaten streak in all competitions. During that run, Eddie Howe’s side drew 2-2 at Bayer Leverkusen, following wins over Burnley and Everton and a draw with Tottenham.

The Magpies are undefeated in eight league and cup games at St James’ Park. Indeed, their EPL home form (W5 D1 L2) is far superior to their away performances (W1 D3 L4). So, they should be eager to match EPL round 12’s 2-1 home win over Man City 2-1.

Toon goalkeeper Nick Pope is doubtful with a knock. Other key injuries include Sven Botman (lower back), Dan Burn (chest), William Osula (ankle), Kieran Trippier (hamstring), and Emil Krafth (knee).

The Toon have no players suspended for their 17th league match of 2025-26.

Player in Focus

Nick Woltemade is growing in confidence. A respectable return of five goals and an assist from 13 games shows his class. In a cagey clash, check Woltemade over 0.5 shots on target (1.66 with Betway).

Chelsea Analysis

Chelsea sit fourth in the EPL table (W8 D4 L4). 28 points in 16 matches includes 27 goals for (1.69 per game) and 15 against (0.94 per game).

Midweek saw Chelsea beat Cardiff 3-1 in the League Cup. That performance secured back-to-back wins for the Blues following last week’s 2-0 victory over Everton. But with only two wins in five EPL games, they need a result at Newcastle before next week’s top-four clash against Aston Villa.

Chelsea have just two defeats in eight EPL away games (W4 D2 L2). With a +7 goal difference, they have scored 15 and leaked only eight goals.

Levi Colwill (knee) is a long-term absentee. Other players out injured include Liam Delap (shoulder), Estevao (muscle injury), Dario Essugo (thigh), and Romeo Lavia (thigh).

Mykhaylo Mudryk remains Chelsea’s only suspended player.

Player in Focus

Cole Palmer inspired Chelsea to beat Everton in EPL round 16. The Blues’ number ten can breach Newcastle’s backline on Saturday lunchtime. So, look for Palmer to score or assist (1.95 at William Hill).

Newcastle vs Chelsea Possible Lineups

Newcastle (4-3-3): Aaron Ramsdale – Valentino Livramento, Fabian Schar, Malick Thiaw, Lewis Hall – Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, Lewis Miley – Anthony Elanga, Anthony Gordon, Nick Woltemade

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Robert Sanchez – Reece James, Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, Marc Cucurella – Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo – Alejandro Garnacho, Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer – Joao Pedro

Newcastle vs Chelsea Head to Head

The last ten H2Hs show four victories each for Newcastle and Chelsea.

Since December 2023, Chelsea has won three in the last five, but Newcastle secured a brace of 2-0 wins most recently. The stats also show three of the last five battles featured under 2.5 goals.

What Channel is Newcastle vs Chelsea on?

You can watch this game live on TNT Sports 1 or TNT Sports Ultimate.

If you have a Discovery+ subscription with TNT Sports, view a live stream on the Discovery+ app.

Pre-Christmas points will be shared on Tyneside

Chelsea and Newcastle will draw this match in front of an electric St James’ Park crowd. This pre-festive tussle could produce few goals.