Newcastle vs Chelsea LIVE! Pre-season friendly result, match stream, latest reaction and updates today

Newcastle vs Chelsea LIVE!

The Blues continued their pre-season preparations in the United States against one of the top-flight’s biggest new threats in the Premier League Summer Series. Mauricio Pochettino kicked off his spell in charge with entertaining wins over Wrexham and Brighton across the Atlantic, but he had to settle for a 1-1 draw against Newcastle.

Chelsea expect Newcastle, who handed a first start to teenage midfielder Lewis Miley but were without the likes of new signing Harvey Barnes and Bruno Guimaraes, to be a strong rival for Champions League qualification next season and both teams had the chance to lay down an early marker here. Reece James started for Chelsea on Wednesday as captain after illness and a precautionary scan on his knee meant he joined up with the squad late in America.

Nicolas Jackson impressed in attack once again, scoring for the second game running as he looks a serious threat with less than two weeks to go until the new league season begins against Liverpool. Follow Newcastle vs Chelsea reaction live below, featuring expert insight and analysis from Nizaar Kinsella at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Newcastle vs Chelsea highlights

• GOAL! Atlanta legend Almiron levels before break

• GOAL! Maatsen tees up Jackson for Chelsea opener

Full-time

03:19 , George Flood

Newcastle 1-1 Chelsea

No goals in the second half as Atlanta hero Miguel Almiron’s well-taken effort on the stroke of half-time earns Newcastle a draw following a second goal in as many games early on from new Chelsea signing Nicolas Jackson.

Plenty there for both managers to be happy with and plenty to work on with the new Premier League season approaching fast on the horizon.

Chelsea move on to face west London rivals Fulham in Landover on Sunday evening, while Newcastle play Brighton on Saturday night in New Jersey.

Both in the Premier League Summer Series.

Newcastle 1-1 Chelsea

03:16 , George Flood

96 mins: Chelsea have one final chance to whip a free-kick into the box, but Chilwell’s delivery from the left is hooked away well before a scramble ensues with bodies from both sides swarming the ball.

Chelsea end up looking to deliver again from the left, but the referee blows for full-time - much to the annoyance of the Blues fans in the crowd.

A lively finish to an entertaining friendly.

Newcastle 1-1 Chelsea

03:13 , George Flood

94 mins: The quick and direct Moreira has been impressive for Chelsea since coming on.

He speeds into the box and earns a corner.

Gallagher’s delivery from the right is initially headed away and Chilwell’s first shot is blocked, with his second saved fantastically by Pope.

Tipped around the post. What a stop, wow.

Newcastle 1-1 Chelsea

03:10 , George Flood

90 mins: A moment of panic for Newcastle as Moreira cuts in from the right and his low cross is deflected awkwardly towards the near post.

That easily could have snuck in for a late winner, but Pope did very well to readjust his feet and get down to it.

We’ll have five minutes of additional time at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Newcastle 1-1 Chelsea

03:07 , George Flood

88 mins: Newcastle are playing with 10 men at the moment as Gordon receives further attention off the pitch.

Gusto is heavily involved for Chelsea at the moment, up and down that right flank with speed.

He charges back after one foray forward and executes a perfect sliding challenge on Isak. Brilliant timing.

Newcastle 1-1 Chelsea

03:06 , George Flood

86 mins: Sterling gets caught in an Ashby and Gordon sandwich, with Gordon coming off worst of the trio.

He’s down and in need of treatment.

Newcastle 1-1 Chelsea

03:03 , George Flood

84 mins: Now Harrison Ashby and Jay Turner-Cooke are coming on for Newcastle.

Trippier and Joelinton heading off.

Newcastle 1-1 Chelsea

03:02 , George Flood

82 mins: A late yellow card for Gallagher as he clatters unceremoniously into Tonali in the middle of the park.

Newcastle 1-1 Chelsea

03:00 , George Flood

81 mins: Not too much action to speak of in the last few minutes.

Sterling combines nicely with Chilwell, whose cross/shot is easily plucked out of the air by the towering figure of Pope.

Newcastle 1-1 Chelsea

03:00 , George Flood

80 mins: Teenage striker Ben Parkinson replaces goalscorer Almiron for Newcastle.

A standing ovation for the Atlanta United legend.

Newcastle 1-1 Chelsea

02:58 , George Flood

79 mins: Diego Moreira and Mason Burstow are both on for Chelsea now.

Off go Casadei and Nkunku.

Newcastle 1-1 Chelsea

02:53 , George Flood

73 mins: Sterling is denied a free-kick on the edge of the Newcastle box after being stepped across by Tonali.

Santos and Casadei then can’t combine to force a chance for Chelsea.

Newcastle 1-1 Chelsea

02:49 , George Flood

70 mins: Time for the second one-minute hydration break as Pochettino wants a chat with Sterling.

Howe wanting a word with Joelinton in particular.

Will we see a winner in this last 20 minutes?

Newcastle 1-1 Chelsea

02:48 , George Flood

Plenty of representation for Chelsea in the stands tonight...

Newcastle 1-1 Chelsea

02:44 , George Flood

64 mins: A flurry of Chelsea substitutions now with 25 minutes to go in Atlanta.

Ben Chilwell, Andrey Santos, Carney Chukwuemeka and Malo Gusto replace Cucurella, Maatsen, Fernandez and James.

Newcastle 1-1 Chelsea

02:42 , George Flood

63 mins: Brilliant from Gallagher, who battles to win possession on the edge of the Newcastle box before his strike is well saved by Pope.

Are Chelsea sure they want to lose him?!

Newcastle 1-1 Chelsea

02:41 , George Flood

62 mins: That’s an awkward ball into the box for Newcastle to deal with and Casadei looks to attack it.

The pace of Almiron and Gordon is a threat for Newcastle on the counter.

Newcastle 1-1 Chelsea

02:38 , George Flood

59 mins: The game is really opening up now as we approach the hour mark, with some nifty football from Chelsea and a through ball from Gallagher leading to a snapshot from Nkunku that is parried away by Pope.

Newcastle 1-1 Chelsea

02:36 , George Flood

57 mins: Chance for Newcastle!

It’s a sublime run from Isak, who cuts in from the left and beats James all ends up, nutmegging him and showing real speed before teeing up Miley on the edge of the box.

But the teenager’s low effort is far too tame and easily held by Kepa.

Newcastle 1-1 Chelsea

02:34 , George Flood

55 mins: Brilliant from captain James to halt Joelinton in his tracks and then instantly pick out the run of Nkunku with a searching long ball forward.

The Blues are probing patiently now in search of another opening, seeing plenty of possession, switching the ball from flank to flank with control and poise.

Nothing rushed or panicked.

02:32 , George Flood

Newcastle 1-1 Chelsea

02:31 , George Flood

Nizaar Kinsella at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Remarkably, one year ago Bashir Humphreys was struggling to attract a Championship loan and now he is excelling against a top-four Premier League team.

I don’t think he will struggle this summer.

Newcastle 1-1 Chelsea

02:30 , George Flood

50 mins: Isak’s shot is blocked by Gallagher, who comes up limping afterwards.

The Swede’s second effort is then seen off by Chalobah after he turned on the jets and cut in from the left flank.

Newcastle 1-1 Chelsea

02:28 , George Flood

48 mins: The offside flag thwarts Joelinton as Newcastle look to start the second half on the front foot.

They very much flattered to deceive for the majority of that first period, with Almiron’s equaliser deep into stoppage time coming against the run of play.

Can they step it up a gear now?

Nkunku barrels into Tonali and gives away a free-kick.

Newcastle 1-1 Chelsea

02:26 , George Flood

46 mins: Looks like a 4-3-3 from Pochettino now, with Sterling on the left, Maatsen on the right and Nkunku through the middle.

Newcastle 1-1 Chelsea

02:24 , George Flood

A change at the break for Newcastle with England goalkeeper Nick Pope on for his first minutes of pre-season after finger surgery in May, in place of Dubravka.

For Chelsea, Conor Gallagher and Raheem Sterling are both coming on. Off go Mudryk and Jackson.

Back underway.

Newcastle 1-1 Chelsea

02:16 , George Flood

Nizaar Kinsella at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Chelsea’s most accomplished half of pre-season, very slick but a late goal against the run of play levels things up.

Pochettino will surely be delighted with that showing though.

Half-time: Newcastle 1-1 Chelsea

02:10 , George Flood

All square at the break in Atlanta!

Almiron’s goal on the stroke of half-time cancels out Jackson’s 12th-minute opener.

Chelsea have been much the better side so far, but another Cucurella mistake proves costly.

GOAL! Newcastle 1-1 Chelsea | Miguel Almiron 49'

02:06 , George Flood

49 mins: That’s a very popular goalscorer in this stadium!

Almiron holds his run wonderfully to pick up Gordon’s pass after Cucurella completely switched off.

He bears down on goal and easily slots into the opposite corner with Kepa beaten.

This crowd erupts to salute an Atlanta legend!

Newcastle 0-1 Chelsea

02:06 , George Flood

48 mins: That’s too easy for Chelsea as Mudryk is allowed to drift in unchecked from the left flank and wind up a dangerous curling strike with his favoured right foot.

Thankfully for Newcastle, it misses the target.

Newcastle 0-1 Chelsea

02:05 , George Flood

47 mins: Serious pace from Almiron, who gets around Cucurella to the byline, but there’s no one in the box to convert his cut back.

Newcastle 0-1 Chelsea

02:03 , George Flood

45 mins: Casadei’s cross for Jackson is overhit but he goes and gets it anyway and leaves Gordon and Murphy embarrassed before sauntering into the box.

He then sells a couple of lovely stepovers and earns a corner off Miley, which Newcastle deal with easily.

Balletic, mesmerising feet from Jackson. He looks such a talent.

Five minutes of added time will be played at the end of this first half.

Newcastle 0-1 Chelsea

02:00 , George Flood

42 mins: Now it’s Chelsea on the attack again with Mudryk twisting and turning inside the box.

The Blues end up with a corner and it’s flicked on dangerously by Humphreys before being hacked clear.

Newcastle 0-1 Chelsea

01:58 , George Flood

39 mins: Some better, more purposeful and eye-catching patterns of play from Newcastle now as Joelinton drives and plays in Gordon, who skips into the box and Chalobah gets across to concede the corner.

Nkunku rises to clear emphatically with a header but Newcastle keep the attack alive and Almiron digs out a back-post cross for Isak, whose header back across is flicked goalwards by young substitute Murphy and saved by the shoulder of Kepa.

Chelsea then wind up with a free-kick. Newcastle’s best opportunity of the night by far.

Newcastle 0-1 Chelsea

01:55 , George Flood

Nizaar Kinsella at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Sandro Tonali is Newcastle’s big marquee signing but has been very quiet tonight, just as he was against Aston Villa last time out.

Newcastle 0-1 Chelsea

01:55 , George Flood

37 mins: Chelsea earn a free-kick after Sandro Tonali barges into Mudryk.

There’s then a painful clash of heads during an aerial tussle between Joelinton and Casadei, with the former coming off worse.

Newcastle 0-1 Chelsea

01:54 , George Flood

35 mins: Better from Newcastle as they force a corner and it’s flicked on in the box before eventually being scrambled clear by Chelsea.

Still nothing to worry Kepa in this first half.

Newcastle 0-1 Chelsea

01:51 , George Flood

33 mins: Schar is slowly up on his feet and walks towards the touchline with Eddie Howe rightly taking no risks in a pre-season friendly.

It’s a youthful Newcastle bench tonight and his replacement is Ireland Under-19 international Alex Murphy.

A big test for him up against Jackson, Nkunku, Mudryk and co.

Newcastle 0-1 Chelsea

01:50 , George Flood

32 mins: This hasn’t been Newcastle’s night so far, and now Schar is down injured.

This doesn’t look great for the Swiss defender, who looks disappointedly towards the bench.

Newcastle 0-1 Chelsea

01:49 , George Flood

30 mins: Chelsea counter at real speed once more after another lethargic and non-threatening spell of dull possession from Newcastle with no end product.

Nkunku finds Mudryk, who bursts into life and heads towards the box, trying to cut inside onto his right foot.

The ball gets away from him though and falls for Maatsen, whose scuffed low strike is easily dealt with by Dubravka.

Newcastle 0-1 Chelsea

01:47 , George Flood

Nizaar Kinsella at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Mudryk has been tidy tonight. Not as electric as he was against Brighton but clever, simple decisions, sparking into life every now and again.

Newcastle 0-1 Chelsea

01:46 , George Flood

28 mins: Chance for Chelsea to double their lead!

James’ low pass sends Maatsen scampering down the right, with the Dutchman picking out Mudryk on the edge of the box.

Mudryk tees it up for Casadei, whose low drive drifts just wide.

Good football again from Chelsea.

Newcastle 0-1 Chelsea

01:44 , George Flood

26 mins: With play back underway, Nkunku embarks upon a dangerous run into the box but his ball across intended for Jackson is played just too far in front of the Chelsea goalscorer.

Newcastle 0-1 Chelsea

01:43 , George Flood

Nizaar Kinsella at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Ian Maatsen is a really classy footballer. It looks like he should have been playing at this level one year ago, while he seems able to play in almost any position on the pitch.

01:42 , George Flood

24 mins: Newcastle are seeing plenty of the ball at the moment, but to put it bluntly they are doing preciously little with it.

With 24 minutes on the clock, it’s time for the first scheduled drinks break of the evening.

Newcastle 0-1 Chelsea

01:39 , George Flood

Nizaar Kinsella at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Nicolas Jackson with a great run in behind to latch onto an Ian Maatsen through ball. He looks confident, dangerous and plays with a real swagger.

Christopher Nkunku should get on the ball a lot more as a No10 so interesting to see how creative he can be.

Newcastle 0-1 Chelsea

01:38 , George Flood

19 mins: Superb again from Jackson, picking up a decent ball down the right flank and inviting a clumsy foul from Fabian Schar, who duly receives a yellow card.

Jackson stays down and needs a bit of treatment, but he’ll be fine to carry on.

Newcastle 0-1 Chelsea

01:36 , George Flood

17 mins: Newcastle are pressing in search of a quick equaliser, but it’s all a bit untidy and rushed in the final third.

Nothing to test Kepa in the Chelsea goal just yet.

Newcastle 0-1 Chelsea

01:34 , George Flood

15 mins: Nicolas Jackson is a true defender’s nightmare.

Offside a lot but always running in behind at every single opportunity.

He is so fast and finishes nicely as well. I think he’s gonna be a real problem in the Premier League next term.

GOAL! Newcastle 0-1 Chelsea | Nicolas Jackson 12'

01:29 , George Flood

12 mins: The Blues are ahead early in Atlanta!

Maatsen tees up Jackson with a superb low pass.

The Senegalese forward gets away from Botman and coolly passes into the back of the net with Dubravka having shifted his body weight the other way.

Such a calm finish - Chelsea look to have a real player on their hands.

Newcastle 0-0 Chelsea

01:28 , George Flood

10 mins: Gordon drives at the heart of the Chelsea defence and Chalobah has to concede the corner under pressure from Joelinton.

A wicked in-swinging delivery from the left from Trippier is just about scrambled away at the front post, before the Newcastle captain then sprints back 30 yards to win possession back.

Newcastle 0-0 Chelsea

01:27 , George Flood

8 mins: A couple of early offside flags thwart Jackson, who is so lively, quick and eager to get in behind defences.

He clearly told Fernandez to try to play him in quicker a little earlier.

Newcastle 0-0 Chelsea

01:25 , George Flood

7 mins: Some loose stuff from Chelsea deep inside their own half. Humphreys gets away with a poor pass back to Kepa with Isak lurking, with a throw-in then needlessly conceded on the far side.

Luckily for Chelsea, Joelinton is overthrown and ends up in a heap, gingerly getting back to his feet.

Newcastle 0-0 Chelsea

01:23 , George Flood

6 mins: Maatsen is lining up on the right wing initially for Chelsea, by the way.

An unfamiliar role for the left wing-back/winger.

Newcastle 0-0 Chelsea

01:22 , George Flood

5 mins: Kepa is required to sweep up at one end for Chelsea, who break through Nkunku and Dan Burn does well to see off the threat of Ian Maatsen.

A fast pace to this contest early doors.

Newcastle 0-0 Chelsea

01:21 , George Flood

3 mins: A brief scare for Chelsea in the opening minutes as the lively Jackson goes down after a strong challenge from Botman, who appeared to stand on his foot.

Blues fans breathe a sigh of relief as their new £30m man slowly gets back to his feet and looks fine to continue.

Newcastle 0-0 Chelsea

01:19 , George Flood

2 mins: As expected, it looks like Nicolas Jackson is playing up front for Chelsea tonight, supported from behind by fellow summer signing Christopher Nkunku.

Both sides are seeing plenty of the ball in the opening exchanges.

Newcastle vs Chelsea

01:17 , George Flood

We are underway at the Mercedes-Benz Arena, after another standing ovation for the wildly popular former Atlanta United star Miguel Almiron!

Will he prove a thorn in Chelsea’s side tonight?

Newcastle vs Chelsea

01:14 , George Flood

The view from the press box at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium...

Newcastle vs Chelsea

01:13 , George Flood

It’s a very long walk to the pitch for the two teams, who are led out by respective right-back captains Kieran Trippier and Reece James.

Fans line the walk on both sides, screaming out for their heroes. What an atmosphere inside the big dome!

Eddie Howe and Mauricio Pochettino embrace warmly down on the touchline.

Newcastle vs Chelsea

01:12 , George Flood

A real big-game atmosphere in Atlanta tonight, with pre-match gifts exchanged between Todd Boehly and Amanda Staveley down on the pitch.

Likewise Premier League chief executive Richard Masters and Atlanta mayor Andre Dickens.

It’s a full house now after the crowd filled up during Brighton’s 2-0 win over Brentford, which took place at the same stadium a little earlier.

21-year-old Ivorian winger Simon Adingra scored twice for the Seagulls.

Nizaar Kinsella at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

01:10 , George Flood

Newcastle may have slightly more fans than Chelsea at the Mercedes-Benz Arena and Miguel Almiron seems to be a big part of that.

He was brilliant for Atlanta United in Major League Soccer.

Nizaar Kinsella at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

01:09 , George Flood

Roberto De Zerbi is doing a press conference as Chelsea get ready to play here.

He says of Moises Caicedo: “There is no news. He is still a Brighton player. I only want to talk about his performance. In my head he is in our squad this year.”

Nizaar Kinsella at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

01:04 , George Flood

Here are more pre-match thoughts from Nizaar Kinsella, with just 10 minutes to go until kick-off at the hugely impressive Mercedes-Benz Stadium...

Standard Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Thursday 27 July 2023 00:53 , George Flood

Chelsea supporters in this stunning Atlanta arena will get to see Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson link up for the first time, and with Mykhailo Mudryk also in the attack.

It feels like these three could start on the opening day against Liverpool, given their pre-season form.

Bashir Humphreys and Cesare Casadei are the two chosen ones in terms of youth in the Chelsea team and Reece James plays his first match since 18 April.

Thursday 27 July 2023 00:51 , George Flood

Lewis Miley makes first Newcastle start

Thursday 27 July 2023 00:39 , George Flood

It’s a strong Newcastle team too, with Sven Botman, Dan Burn, Joelinton and Anthony Gordon all coming into the starting XI after the 3-3 draw with Aston Villa, along with 17-year-old midfielder Lewis Miley, who makes his first Toon start.

Nick Pope is back on the bench after finger surgery, but there’s no Bruno Guimaraes, Harvey Barnes, Joe Willock or Sean Longstaff.

No Jamal Lewis or Karl Darlow either, with their respective exits from Newcastle apparently imminent.

It’s a juicy lineup from Eddie Howe no doubt, but not too much on the bench it must be said.

Reece James starts and captains Chelsea tonight

Thursday 27 July 2023 00:32 , George Flood

So Reece James is back in the starting XI and possesses the captain’s armband for Chelsea tonight.

He replaces Malo Gusto at right-back, with Thiago Silva, Levi Colwill and Ben Chilwell making way for the fit-again Trevoh Chalobah, young Bashir Humphreys and Marc Cucurella in a new-look backline.

Andrey Santos, Carney Chukwuemeka, Conor Gallagher and Raheem Sterling are replaced by Enzo Fernandez, Cesare Casadei, Mykhailo Mudryk and Nicolas Jackson.

Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christopher Nkunku and Ian Maatsen all retain their starting places.

Newcastle subs

Thursday 27 July 2023 00:27 , George Flood

Pope, Gillespie, Ashby, Savage, J Miley, Turner-Cooke, Murphy, Parkinson

Chelsea subs

Thursday 27 July 2023 00:27 , George Flood

Slonina, Bergstrom, Gusto, Silva, Colwill, Gilchrist, Chilwell, Gallagher, Chukwuemeka, Santos, Hall, Sterling, Angelo, Moreira, Burstow

Newcastle lineup

Thursday 27 July 2023 00:18 , George Flood

Newcastle XI: Dubravka, Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn, Joelinton, Tonali, L Miley, Almiron, Gordon, Isak

Chelsea lineup

Thursday 27 July 2023 00:17 , George Flood

Chelsea XI: Kepa, James, Chalobah, Humphreys, Cucurella, Fernandez, Casadei, Maatsen, Mudryk, Jackson, Nkunku

Official team news on the way

Thursday 27 July 2023 00:13 , George Flood

We should be getting word of the official team news from Atlanta any minute now.

Stay tuned!

Pochettino addresses Conor Gallagher’s Chelsea future

Thursday 27 July 2023 00:00 , George Flood

One interesting subplot to tonight’s game in Atlanta is the role played by Conor Gallagher.

The England midfielder has scored in both of Chelsea’s US tour friendlies so far, starting against Brighton after coming on at half-time in the 5-0 rout of Wrexham.

Pochettino seems impressed by Gallagher, but Standard Sport reported earlier this week that the academy graduate was ready to leave Chelsea after 17 years in search of more regular first-team football, having apparently been deemed surplus to requirements by the club despite their current shortage of midfielders amid ongoing transfer talks over the likes of Moises Caicedo at Brighton and Ajax’s Mohammed Kudus.

The Argentine is said to accept Chelsea’s decision to seek a buyer for the £50m-rated Gallagher, wanted by London rivals Tottenham and West Ham, though insists that more players must come in first after the exits of the likes of N’Golo Kante, Mason Mount, Kai Havertz, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Mateo Kovacic.

So far the likes of young trio Carney Chukwuemeka, Andrey Santos and Cesare Casadei have all received heavy midfield minutes in pre-season.

“We need to add some players there. We need one more with experience,” Pochettino said.

“That is the idea. We are working, the club is working on that. At the moment we are working to reinforce that area and other areas also.

“It’s a good opportunity for the young guys to have the chance to play. We are testing different players who can be important for the present and the future. The players that are here on the tour are in our plan.”

On Gallagher specifically, he said: “I was talking with him the first day that he arrived [and said] that he’s in our plans.

“In football, anything can happen. Now I am happy with him and his performance. There are still two years on his contract.

“I’m happy with him and his performance. At the moment there’s nothing to say.”

Pochettino: Reece James can be Chelsea captain

Wednesday 26 July 2023 23:39 , George Flood

The idea of making Reece James the new Chelsea captain is certainly not something that is being dismissed by Mauricio Pochettino...

“He is one of the possibilities. We are talking from day one about his objectives and how he was in the last few years at the club,” he said at his pre-match press conference.

“He feels Chelsea, he came from the academy. He is one of the profiles, one of players that can be the present and future captain of the club.”

Reece James ‘dreaming’ of becoming Chelsea captain

Wednesday 26 July 2023 23:30 , George Flood

Could Reece James become the Chelsea captain under Mauricio Pochettino?

The Argentine will have to pick a new skipper before next season after long-serving leader Cesar Azpilicueta departed for Atletico Madrid on a free transfer.

Many assume that the vastly experienced Thiago Silva will simply step up into a familiar role, though others believe that a popular academy graduate like James could be the way forward instead.

“Of course [I would want to be captain],” the England right-back said this week. “I have been at Chelsea my whole life.

“I have always dreamt of it. I am sure when the time is right, hopefully it happens.

“Everyone has a different way of being a leader. Some speak, while some show their actions on the field. I’d like to think I could do both. I try and help the team as much as I can.”

Bashir Humphreys set for Chelsea start

Wednesday 26 July 2023 23:19 , George Flood

A big chance for Bashir Humphreys in Atlanta tonight.

Does he have a genuine chance of making Mauricio Pochettino’s first-team squad next season?

The injuries to Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile means there should be chances for someone to step up alongside Levi Colwill, in whom there are great hopes after his impressive spell on loan at Brighton last term.

Academy graduate Humphreys has made one senior appearance for Chelsea so far, in the 4-0 FA Cup demolition by Manchester City last season.

He was loaned out to 2. Bundesliga side SC Paderborn in January, appearing 13 times for a side that finished sixth in the German second tier.

Newcastle vs Chelsea prediction

Wednesday 26 July 2023 23:02 , George Flood

Goals have been flying in during the early days of the Premier League Summer Series and this one should be no different.

A 2-2 draw.

Newcastle team news

Wednesday 26 July 2023 23:00 , George Flood

Like Mauricio Pochettino, Eddie Howe should pick a strong team tonight for what is a high-profile friendly clash between two Premier League giants.

New signing Harvey Barnes is likely to make his full Newcastle debut after finally completing a £38million transfer from Leicester.

Nick Pope could make his first appearance of pre-season in goal after training fully this week having recovered from a finger operation, while Joe Willock is also fit following a hamstring injury.

Jamal Lewis and Emil Krafth are still out though, while Sean Longstaff missed the 3-3 draw with Aston Villa in Philadelphia on Monday due to a minor issue.

Chelsea team news

Wednesday 26 July 2023 22:53 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella reports that Bashir Humphreys will start for Chelsea tonight.

The 20-year-old centre-back has enjoyed an impressive pre-season campaign so far and will hope to shine in a tough test against Newcastle to perhaps prove to Mauricio Pochettino that he is worthy of a first-team squad place next season, rather than a loan move elsewhere.

Reece James could get his first minutes of pre-season after joining up with the squad late following illness and a precautionary scan of his knee, while fellow defender Trevoh Chalobah may also be back after missing the 4-3 win over Brighton with an Achilles problem.

“He is a very important player for us and it’s important to have a player like him back. Hopefully, he can play,” Pochettino said of James.

Levi Colwill, Mykhailo Mudryk and Enzo Fernandez could all start tonight after linking up for pre-season later than most of their team-mates, ditto Noni Madueke, who did not feature against Brighton after being part of England’s squad that won the Under-21 European Championship in (the other) Georgia, along with Colwill.

Kepa Arrizabalaga, Ben Chilwell, Andrey Santos, Conor Gallagher, Raheem Sterling and Christopher Nkunku may all start again, with Malo Gusto likely to start at right-back with James not fully up to speed.

Where to watch Newcastle vs Chelsea

Wednesday 26 July 2023 22:48 , George Flood

TV channel: In the UK, tonight’s game will be televised live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage starting at 1am BST.

Live stream: Subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Sky Go app.

Welcome to Newcastle vs Chelsea live coverage

Wednesday 26 July 2023 22:47 , George Flood

Good evening and welcome to the Evening Standard’s continued live coverage of Chelsea’s 2023 pre-season tour of the United States.

After a thrashing of Wrexham in North Carolina and seven-goal thriller against Brighton in Philadelphia, tonight the Blues are in Atlanta for another high-profile Premier League Summer Series clash with fellow top-four hopefuls Newcastle.

Mauricio Pochettino will be expecting more goals and undoubtedly defensive improvements as his side look to make an early statement against a team that could well be a key rival in the race for Champions League qualification next term.

Kick-off at the impressive Mercedes-Benz Stadium is at 1:15am BST, so stay tuned for all the latest match build-up, team news and live updates, featuring expert insight and analysis from Standard Sport’s Chelsea correspondent Nizaar Kinsella at the ground.