Credit: @PremierLeague / X

Newcastle United vs Chelsea Premier League – Injury News, Match Preview and Predicted Line-Ups

With a Champions League spot on the line, both Newcastle United and Chelsea will be desperate to deliver here.

Credit: @PremierLeague / X

The race for Champions League qualification is set to heat up on Sunday as Newcastle United welcome Chelsea to St. James’ Park for a high-stake Premier League clash in Gameweek 36. Separated by just goal difference, both clubs sit locked on 63 points and know that a win could prove decisive in securing a coveted top-four finish.

Eddie Howe’s Newcastle arrive on the back of five consecutive home victories, although their overall form has stuttered slightly, with just one win in their last three league matches. The Magpies were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw at Brighton last weekend but remain formidable at home.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are riding the momentum of a three-game winning streak in the league, their second-best run this season. Their narrow midweek win over Djurgarden also confirmed a spot in the UEFA Conference League final, giving them a confidence boost. With a Champions League spot on the line, both sides will be desperate to deliver here.

‘It’s a big one, it’s a huge one.'

Enzo Maresca speaks ahead of #NEWCHE. 🫡
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 9, 2025

Newcastle United Injury News

Newcastle United have been hampered by injury concerns ahead of Sunday’s crucial clash. The Magpies are already without long-term absentees Jamaal Lascelles (knee) and Lewis Hall (foot), and now face another blow as key midfielder Joelinton has been ruled out for the remainder of the season. Matt Targett also continues to recover from a hamstring injury and is unlikely to feature.

Kieran Trippier and Fabian Schar both picked up knocks in last weekend’s draw against Brighton and will face late fitness tests ahead of the Chelsea game. Should Schar be unavailable, Sven Botman is likely to step into central defence alongside Dan Burn, while Emil Krafth is on standby to replace Trippier at right-back if needed. However, Howe may opt to stick with a largely unchanged XI if his Trippier and Schar prove their fitness in time.

Newcastle striker Alexander Isak will be the player to watch out for in this game. The striker has scored 23 Premier League goals this season, the highest by a Newcastle player since Alan Shearer in 2003/04.

Newcastle United Predicted Line-Up

Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento; Guimaraes, Tonali, Willock; Murphy, Isak, Gordon

Also Read: Premier League To Have Six Teams in Champions League Next Season

Chelsea Injury News

Chelsea head to St. James’ Park with a relatively settled squad. Maresca is likely to stick with the same starting XI that earned an impressive 3-1 win over Liverpool last weekend. All eyes will be on Cole Palmer, who ended his 18-game goal drought as he scored from the penalty spot and sealed all three points against Liverpool in Chelsea’s last league game.

Wesley Fofana has been ruled out for the rest of the season following hamstring surgery, and backup centre-back Aaron Anselmino also misses out with a similar issue. Meanwhile, youngster Marc Guiu is unlikely to be fit in time to feature for Chelsea, though his potential return to the bench could offer Enzo Maresca another attacking option, especially with Christopher Nkunku still nursing an injury.

Chelsea Predicted Line-Up

Sanchez; Caicedo, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Lavia, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Madueke; Jackson

Chelsea

Newcastle United

Premier League

Premier League Top 5 Race

Abhinav Goel

soccer

I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.