In fact, having won their last four Premier League (PL) outings, Newcastle actually come into this clash six points better off than their visitors and fellow top-four challengers.
Boss Eddie Howe managed to rotate a considerable chunk of his first-choice starting 11 in Newcastle’s midweek cup victory against Crystal Palace, and those fresh legs may be needed against a Chelsea side the Magpies have lost to in three of the last four PL home head-to-heads.
Things feel different this season though, with Newcastle now playing a PL game having started the day inside the top three for the first time since 2011!
If things are looking up for Newcastle, then they definitely aren’t for Chelsea, who after being beaten 1-0 by Arsenal on their own turf last week were dumped out of the EFL Cup in midweek by Manchester City.
Despite that elimination, boss Graham Potter insisted there were “quite a few positives”, but translating that into results now has to be the primary aim as they risk missing out on UEFA Champions League football.
That almost certainly means ending a four-match winless PL run (D2, L2), and with seven victories from their last eight PL games against Newcastle, maybe they are an ideal opponent to snap that torrid streak.
Potter should at least feel confident of avoiding extending their losing run beyond two games given he has only lost one of his seven managerial matchups against Newcastle (W2, D4), and with five clean sheets for his sides in there, one goal may be enough for a win here.
Players to watch: With goals in four successive PL games, Miguel Almirón (28) could become the first Newcastle player since Joe Willock in 2021 to score in five straight PL outings.
Enjoying facing Newcastle, Chelsea’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (33) has clocked up six goals in his last six personal head-to-heads.
Hot stat: Newcastle have conceded a PL-low two first-half goals this season.
