Football
Newcastle vs Chelsea Preview: Odds, Tips & Prediction
Date: Saturday, December 20 Venue: St James’ Park Kick-off: 12:30pm GMT Newcastle take on Chelsea on Saturday, December 20, in the lunchtime kick-off, and while these sides have had contrasting fortunes, visiting St James’ Park is never easy. A blanket could be thrown over the teams from fourth to 10th, with just five points separating them. Under Eddie Howe, the Magpies have been more comfortable at home, as they warmed up for this game with a 1-0 defeat away to neighbours Sunderland. Chelsea, in contrast ended their three-game winless streak with a 2-0 win at home to Everton. Newcastle have had some joy at home against Chelsea over the past few seasons, and emerged 2-0 winners in the corresponding fixture on Tyneside back in May. SportsBoom is looking forward to this one, and aside from providing a Newcastle vs Chelsea preview, we’ve unlocked some odds from the top football betting sites to whet your appetite.
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Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes /Getty Images
Pre-Game Odds and Win Probability: Newcastle Given Edge
The best Premier League betting sites will be awash with prices ahead of the game, and here’s how the pre-match odds are shaping up:
Home: 6/4 (2.50) – 40%
Draw: 12/5 (3.40) – 29.4%
Away: 13/8 (2.63) – 38.1%
*Odds courtesy of Midnite, subject to change.
Head-to-Head Record
Don’t overlook Premier League head-to-head records. The tale of the tape reveals how past matches between Newcastle and Chelsea have unfolded.
Last Five Meetings (Premier League)
- 1
11/05/25: Newcastle 2-0 Chelsea
- 2
27/10/24: Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
- 3
11/03/24: Chelsea 3-2 Newcastle
- 4
25/11/23: Newcastle 4-1 Chelsea
- 5
28/05/23: Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle
Newcastle Current Form: WWDWL
While their league position might suggest it has been a mediocre campaign to date, Newcastle still harbour European ambitions. Yes, there have been some shaky and frustrating moments at home over the past few weeks, including a 2-2 draw against Tottenham, where they inexplicably let a late lead slip through their grasp.
Eddie Howe’s men are rooted in strong attacking principles, and although Alexander Isak’s departure left a significant void, the goals have been well spread out.
Nick Woltemade, for example, has settled in well, and provides an attacking focal point. A decent result should set them up well over Christmas, given they head to Manchester United on Boxing Day and then Turf Moor to face Burnley before the year is out.
Key Players to Watch
- Nick Woltemade
Despite his horror moment in the Tyne-Wear derby last weekend, where he headed in an own goal, Woltemade has been assured for the Magpies. He holds the ball up well, and he’s a great aerial presence. - Bruno Guimarães
Boasting flair on the ball, Bruno Guimarães drives the Newcastle midfield. He has contributed five league goals this term, and he’s often the go-to man to give the Magpies a spark when they need it. - Anthony Gordon
The club’s designated penalty taker, Anthony Gordon is more than just proficient from the spot. He’s good at working the channels, so Chelsea will need to be on guard.
Newcastle Team News
Dan Burn came off with what appeared to be a rib injury against Sunderland, and he was replaced by Fabian Schar, so he is a doubt. Nick Pope, meanwhile, could return in between the sticks, although he will be assessed ahead of the weekend.
Chelsea Current Form: WDLDW
Chelsea have recovered from a dip in form, and they produced a mature display in the 2-0 win at home to Everton last weekend. They looked hungry going forward, and while they ceded some chances, they weren’t punished.
A tilt at the title isn’t in the reckoning as they are currently eight points adrift of table-toppers Gunners, but Chelsea are still a work-in-progress.
Nevertheless, they look like they could be in with a shout of a top-four berth, but getting a result at Newcastle will be a sign of whether they could land Champions League football next season.
Key Players to Watch
- Cole Palmer
Cole Palmer made just his sixth league appearance this term against Everton due to injuries, and Blues boss Enzo Maresca recently admitted Palmer is in the band of players that can’t start two games in the same week. Nevertheless, Palmer, when at full fitness, is a handful, and he took his goal well against Everton. - Reece James
A talented midfield, who can rake out long-range passes, Reece James loves to provide overloads when going forward, and he’s brilliant from set-pieces, so he could be a thorn in the Newcastle side. - Pedro Neto
With five league goals to his name, Pedro Neto has pulled his weight, and he’s great at making darting runs. He makes for box-office viewing, and he will keep Newcastle on their toes.
Chelsea Team News
With Palmer and Fofana back, Chelsea have a near full-strength squad to choose from for the trip to Newcastle. Meanwhile, Dario Essugo, who has been out with a thigh injury, could be in contention to make an appearance, albeit he may start from the bench.
Predicted Line-Ups
Newcastle (4-3-3)
Ramsdale; Livramento, Thiaw, Schar, Hall, Guimarães, Tonali, Miley, Barnes, Woltemade, Gordon
Chelsea (4-2-3-1)
Sánchez, Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella, James, Fernández, Neto, Palmer, Garnacho, Pedro
Suggested Bets
Newcastle to Score the First Goal: The Magpies have got off to strong starts at home against Chelsea, opening the scoring in each of their last three meetings, so they could break the deadlock. (19/20 with Betway)
Over 1.5 goals: There hasn’t been a goalless draw between these sides at St James’ Park in over 30 years, so Over 1.5 goals seems virtually nailed on. (9/50 with Bet442)
Total Corners Over 6.5: The past couple of encounters have seen plenty of corners awarded, so Over 6.5 is certainly attainable. (1/10 with BetUK)
Value Bets
Premier League bookmakers are on top of everything odds-wise, and we’ve divulged three juicy football betting tips.
Anytime Goalscorer – Nick Woltemade: Woltemade will be desperate to make amends after the Sunderland defeat, and he could turn in a strong performance, hitting the net. (13/10 with Unibet)
Newcastle to Win to Nil: Howe’s charges have had the upper hand in this fixture, winning two of the past three home clashes to nil, so this market has legs to it. (4/1 with Fitzdares)
Highest Scoring Half (2nd Half): There have been some barnstormers in the past, and games have opened up more in the second half, lending itself to more goals. (11/10 with QuinnBet)
Prediction: Newcastle to Win
Newcastle may have turned in a sub-par display against Sunderland in the Tyne-Wear derby, and they will seek redemption against Chelsea, whom they’ve beaten three times in a row in the league at home. At St James’ Park, the Magpies have been more formidable compared to on their travels, and they could bombard the Blues with balls into the box. If Chelsea play like they did against Leeds, they could be in for a rough afternoon.
Charles Perrin has spent over six years writing about sports betting, working with some of the UK’s top sportsbooks, including bet365 and William Hill.
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