| Chelsea vs Newcastle | |
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MATCH INFO |
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MATCH :
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Chelsea vs Newcastle
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COMPETITION :
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Premier League
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| DATE: |
20-12-2025
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TIME:
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06.00 PM IST
04.30 PM UAE
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STADIUM
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St. James' Park |
Newcastle United have suffered another defensive setback, with Tino Livramento sustaining a knee injury in midweek to join Dan Burn (rib), Nick Pope (groin), Kieran Trippier (hamstring), Sven Botman (back), Will Osula (ankle) and Emil Krafth (knee) on the sidelines.
Lewis Hall was absent from the midweek victory over Fulham due to a minor hamstring issue, but Eddie Howe has since suggested that the former Chelsea defender “could be” available in some capacity this weekend.
With Newcastle short of options at full-back, Hall will be hopeful of recovering in time to start at left-back, while youngster Lewis Miley may once again be deployed on the right side of defence. In midfield, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton are both pushing for recalls alongside Bruno Guimarães.
Howe continues to manage Yoane Wissa’s minutes following his lengthy injury layoff, meaning Nick Woltemade is expected to return to the starting XI up front, while Anthony Gordon and Anthony Elanga are both contenders to reclaim spots on the flanks.
Chelsea, meanwhile, will be without highly-rated Brazilian youngster Estêvão Willian due to a muscle injury, joining Liam Delap (shoulder), Levi Colwill (knee), Romeo Lavia (thigh) and Dário Essugo (thigh) in the treatment room. Mykhaylo Mudryk also remains unavailable as he serves a suspension.
After making 11 changes for the midweek win over Cardiff, Enzo Maresca is expected to revert to his strongest lineup for the trip to St James’ Park. Cole Palmer should return in his preferred No.10 role after being rested, while João Pedro is set to spearhead the attack.
Alejandro Garnacho will be hoping his two-goal cameo off the bench against Cardiff is enough to earn him a starting role on the left flank, while Pedro Neto is also likely to return. The Portuguese winger has been involved in more Premier League goals than any other Chelsea player this season (eight – five goals, three assists), with four of his five strikes coming away from home.
Moisés Caicedo is available again for league action after completing a three-match suspension and could partner Enzo Fernández in a deeper midfield role. In defence, Reece James and Wesley Fofana are both in contention to feature in a back four alongside Trevoh Chalobah and Marc Cucurella.