Newcastle v Chelsea – Preview, Predictions, and Best Bets

Newcastle faces Chelsea in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday. These sides met on Saturday, where Chelsea won 2-1 at Stamford Bridge. The Magpies have won seven of their last 11 home clashes against the Blues.

Newcastle Form

It’s currently just one win in six matches for Eddie Howe’s side. They started the season strong, with three wins in their first four league matches. Even a 3-1 loss at Fulham (allowing 2.29 xG) was followed by a solid 1-1 home draw against Man City.

However, some disappointing results have followed. A 0-0 draw at Everton saw Newcastle miss a penalty, and they then lost 1-0 at home to Brighton despite recording 21 shots and 2.02 xG. In their last match, they suffered a 2-1 loss at Chelsea, where plenty of second-half possession yielded only one shot on target.

Newcastle Team News

Newcastle may make a few changes to their starting lineup, though they’re likely to field a stronger XI than Chelsea. Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff could be brought into the midfield.

Lloyd Kelly and Emil Krafth are options to refresh the defense, with Kieran Trippier, Sven Botman, and Jamaal Lascelles all injured. Callum Wilson may feature, and Miguel Almiron should be available to strengthen their attacking options.

Newcastle Motivation

The Toon are eager to win a trophy but won’t want to exhaust themselves ahead of a weekend clash with Arsenal.

A high-energy performance is expected, supported by a vocal home crowd for this evening kick-off.

Chelsea Form

The Blues have lost just once in their last 10 matches across all competitions. This run has included strong performances, like their 3-0 win at West Ham and generating 4.16 xG in a 4-2 home win over Brighton. A 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest at home was followed by their only recent defeat, a 2-1 loss at Liverpool despite 58% possession.

Last midweek, Chelsea cruised to a 4-1 victory over Panathinaikos in Athens. On Saturday, they beat Newcastle 2-1 at home, taking 17 shots while allowing the Magpies just one attempt on target in the second half.

Chelsea Team News

Enzo Maresca is likely to change nearly the entire starting XI. Tosin Adarabioyo, Renato Veiga, and Marc Cucurella look set to start in defense, with Reece James rested. Enzo Fernandez could also start in midfield after being on the bench for the last two league games.

In attack, Christopher Nkunku, Jadon Sancho, Joao Felix, and Mykhailo Mudryk could all feature. Cole Palmer, who hasn’t played in Europe this season, is expected to get some minutes off the bench.

Chelsea Motivation

The Blues see the Carabao Cup as a winnable competition, though a weekend trip to Manchester United takes priority.

Chelsea will attack and aim to win in 90 minutes. However, they’re also comfortable sitting back to protect a lead and playing on the counter.

Key Stats

Newcastle has won 7 of their last 11 home matches against Chelsea.

Newcastle has won just 1 of their last 6 matches (scoring only 4 goals).

Chelsea has scored 25 goals in their last 10 matches (all competitions).

Chelsea has won 5 of their last 6 away league matches.

Chelsea’s Nkunku has scored 8 goals this season in 517 minutes (averaging a goal every 65 minutes).

Verdict

This should be an exciting match with both sides in good form. Newcastle’s strong home record against Chelsea and potential mass rotation by the visitors could tilt this tie towards a win for the Magpies.

Best Bet: Both Teams to Score + Over 2.5 goals at 1.90

Value Bet: Newcastle win at 2.45

Goalscorer Tip: Nkunku to score anytime at 2.80