Newcastle entertain Chelsea this afternoon in a potentially important battle for a top-four Premier League spot.

Saturday’s clash represents the chance for Eddie Howe’s hosts to lay down another significant marker in the race for Champions League qualification.

Newcastle sit third heading into the weekend and only seven points off top spot after making it five consecutive top-flight wins to spell the end of Ralph Hasenhuttl’s Southampton tenure last weekend, before seeing off Crystal Palace on penalties in the Carabao Cup.

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The Magpies have lost only once all season and will be brimming with confidence for the visit of a Chelsea side that have notably stalled after initial progress under Graham Potter, dropping to seventh and six points behind their next opponents - albeit with a game in hand - after a winless four-match league run that includes defeats by Brighton and Arsenal.

There were some encouraging signs for the Blues against Manchester City in the cup in midweek, but another defeat continued the sense of negativity that is threatening to engulf Potter’s early reign and they will be desperate to provide an injection of optimism before the World Cup hiatus.

Date, kick-off time and venue

Newcastle vs Chelsea is scheduled for a 5:30pm GMT kick-off on Saturday, November 12, 2022.

The match will take place at St James’ Park.

Where to watch Newcastle vs Chelsea

TV channel: In the UK, the match will be televised live on Sky Sports Main Event and Premier League, with coverage beginning at 5pm.

Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers will also be able to watch the game online via the Sky Go app.

Live blog: You can also follow all the action via Standard Sport’s live blog, with expert analysis from Nizaar Kinsella on Tyneside.

Newcastle vs Chelsea team news

Newcastle XI: Pope, Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn, Longstaff, Bruno Guimaraes, Willock, Almiron, Wood, Joelinton

Subs: Lascelles, Shelvey, Wilson, Saint-Maximin, Targett, Manquillo, Murphy, Darlow, Anderson

Chelsea XI: Mendy, Azpilicueta, Koulibaly, Chalobah, Loftus-Cheek, Kovacic, Jorginho, Hall, Gallagher, Mount, Broja

Subs: Thiago Silva, Aubameyang, Pulisic, Bettinelli, Zakaria, Ziyech, Havertz, Cucurella, Hutchinson

Newcastle vs Chelsea prediction

This is a fascinating fixture to sign off for the World Cup as Newcastle try to send out another clear message that they are serious top-four contenders.

Only Manchester City and Arsenal have scored more goals than Howe’s side so far this season and confidence is at a soaring high after such a remarkable winning run.

A trip to St James’ Park in the current circumstances is the last thing Potter would have wanted as Chelsea desperately try to head into the World Cup break on a more positive note.

After being battered by Brighton, they were dominated by Arsenal and left to rue missed chances against City. Major improvements will be needed to avoid another dispiriting loss here.

We’re backing a lively draw in an entertaining clash. 2-2.

Head to head (h2h) history and results

Chelsea have won seven of their last eight matches against Newcastle, conceding just one goal in this fixture since 2019.

They won 3-0 on this ground last October thanks to a Reece James brace and Jorginho penalty.

Chelsea wins: 78

Newcastle wins: 54

Draws: 39

Newcastle vs Chelsea match odds

Newcastle win: 13/10

Draw: 12/5

Chelsea win: 11/5

Odds via Betfair (subject to change).