Premier League 2025/2026: Newcastle vs Chelsea Preview, Prediction, Schedule, Live Score & Lineups
St. James' Park sets the stage for a blockbuster Saturday opener. 4th-placed Chelsea looks to cement their Champions League credentials against a 12th-placed Newcastle side currently revitalized by a massive home win over Manchester City. Both teams are desperate for points in this pre-Christmas showdown.
Kick-Off Time
Competition: Premier League (Matchweek 17)
Kick-off (GMT): 12:30 PM, Saturday, 20 December 2025
Stadium: St. James' Park, Newcastle upon Tyne
Match Facts
Newcastle enters the match with momentum after a 2-1 win against Manchester City and a midweek Carabao Cup victory over Fulham. Chelsea has been consistent but faced mixed away results, including a recent loss to Leeds.
Newcastle is severely depleted in defense with Tino Livramento, Dan Burn, Sven Botman, and Kieran Trippier all expected to be sidelined. Chelsea will miss Brazilian starlet Estevao Willian due to a muscle injury.
The Magpies won the most recent encounter 2-0 in May 2025. Historically, Chelsea leads the overall record, but Newcastle has turned St. James' Park into a fortress in recent seasons.
Anthony Gordon’s pace against Chelsea’s high line will be a primary threat, while Newcastle’s makeshift defense must find a way to contain the creativity of Cole Palmer.
Prediction of AI
Based on current data, a 2-1 victory for Newcastle United or a high-scoring 2-2 draw is likely. While Chelsea occupies a superior league position, Newcastle’s exceptional home form and "giant-killer" reputation this season give them a slight edge. Expect both teams to score, with the match likely being decided by a moment of individual brilliance from either Anthony Gordon or Cole Palmer in the final twenty minutes.
