Chelsea take on Newcastle United in Sunday’s early Premier League kick off with both teams in need of a win. Enzo Maresca’s hosts come into the match on the back of a 2-1 defeat to Liverpool in which they had more possession and created more chances than the Reds at Anfield.
It was a positive performance but Arne Slot’s side proved superior on the day as Curtis Jones’ second half goal was the deciding factor. Still, Chelsea responded with a confident 4-1 win over Panathinaikos in the Europa Conference League and will hope to bring those shooting boots to Stamford Bridge as they go up against Newcastle.
Eddie Howe’s side sit ninth in the table but have now gone four league games without a win and fell to a 1-0 defeat against Brighton last time out. They are struggling at the top of the pitch and may not be able to withstand the pace and power of Chelsea’s attack. However the Magpies have been solid defensively since shipping three goals away at Fulham a month ago. They’ve only conceded twice and even held Manchester City to a 1-1 at St. James’ Park.
Follow all the action with our live blog below:
Chelsea vs Newcastle LIVE
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Chelsea defeat Newcastle in the Premier League
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90+2’ NO PENALTY! Spot kick overturned after VAR intervention (CHE 2-1 NEW)
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90’ PENALTY! Nkunku brought down by Burn in the box (CHE 2-1 NEW)
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47’ GOAL! Palmer sends Chelsea ahead (CHE 2-1 NEW)
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32’ GOAL! Isak pokes visitors level (CHE 1-1 NEW)
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18’ GOAL! Jackson slots Chelsea into the lead (CHE 1-0 NEW)
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6’ DISALLOWED! Palmer finds the back of the net but drifted offside in the build-up (CHE 0-0 NEW)
Chelsea FC 2 – 1 Newcastle United FC
FULL-TIME! Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
16:03 , Chris Wilson
FULL-TIME! The referee brings it to an end!
The corner comes in but it’s cleared and Chelsea take the three points!
Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
16:02 , Chris Wilson
97 mins
Maybe time for one more chance for the away side as Pope has the ball in the Newcastle half and punts it forward. Good defending from Cacicedo though.
Newcastle win the throw but they can’t find the gaps. They lump it forward again and Willock plays it back across goal – and James comes in with a fine defensive header to clear it over his own goal!
Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
16:01 , Chris Wilson
96 mins
Into the final of the allotted minutes, but there’ll be a couple of extra minutes due to the VAR check for the penalty.
Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
15:59 , Chris Wilson
94 mins
Newcastle have a chance to build an attack but it’s all too disjointed. Dan Burn fizzes in a hopeful cutback but there’s nobody there.
Nkunku leads the counter but the whistle goes for offside.
Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
15:58 , Chris Wilson
93 mins
There’s still time for the away side here but they have to get a move on, and it’s Chelsea who still have most of the ball. A chance for Newcastle here though as Nkunku concedes a free-kick and is booked.
Maresca is booked for his reaction too!
Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
15:56 , Chris Wilson
93 mins
So Newcastle get a second chance to take something, but will they capitalise?
Sean Longstaff was booked for dissent in the meantime.
Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
15:56 , Chris Wilson
91 mins
PENALTY OVERTURNED!
It was certainly fleeting contact from Burn, and Simon Hooper goes to the screen before overturning his decision.
We’re into the second of six minutes of added time here.
Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
15:54 , Chris Wilson
90 mins
PENALTY TO CHELSEA!
Chelsea burst forward and Nkunku surges into the box. Burn has his hands all over him and he drags the Frenchman down as he checked back inside – it’s given, but there’s a VAR check.
Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
15:53 , Chris Wilson
88 mins
Chelsea are closing the game out and they win a goal kick after the ball forward runs out of play.
Newcastle make two changes as Osula and Kelly replace Hall and Joelinton.
Another goal in east London – Jarrod Bowen has converted a penalty to put West Ham 2-1 up against Manchester United.
Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
15:51 , Chris Wilson
87 mins
Half a chance for Chelsea as Joelinton is dispossessed on the edge of his own box, but Nkunku dwells on the ball for too long and his shot is blocked.
Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
15:50 , Chris Wilson
85 mins
Now Sanchez is booked for delaying a restart.
Into the final five minutes of normal time and Newcastle are throwing themselves forward , but Chelsea do look fairly comfortable.
Another attack breaks down as Neto runs it into Pope.
Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
15:47 , Chris Wilson
83 mins
Newcastle lump a long free-kick forward but they’re penalised for a foul from Burn.
Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
15:46 , Chris Wilson
81 mins
CHANCE!
Newcastle’s turn to build patiently now, but they can’t find an opening and Palmer wins possession. He exchanges passes with Nkunku in the box before laying it off to Mudryk. The Ukrainian is in plenty of space but he can only fire his shot straight at Pope!
Will Chelsea live to rue that missed opportunity?
Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
15:44 , Chris Wilson
80 mins
Chelsea aren’t committing as many men forward now, and are trying to take the sting out of the Newcastle attack.
They build patiently, exchanging passes in midfield before the attack breaks down.
In east London, Casemiro has levelled things for Manchester United against West Ham.
Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
15:42 , Chris Wilson
77 mins
Newcastle have some real momentum now but they’re penalised for a foul on Gusto in the Chelsea box.
The home side make two more changes – Gusto makes way for Marc Cucurella, and Christopher Nkunku replaces Nicolas Jackson.
Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
15:40 , Chris Wilson
75 mins
CLOSE! How have Newcastle nit scored here!?
Newcastle knock the long ball forward and Isak wrestles free from the challenge from Fofana to win the ball. He’s 1-v-1 and skips past Sanchez, but the angle is too tight to hit it. He tries to skip past another challenge to get the shot away, but he’s tackled!
Joelinton was free in the box, unmarked, to tap in, but Isak didn’t square it! Had to be 2-2 that.
Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
15:38 , Chris Wilson
74 mins
Newcastle have definitely improved since making their substitutions, but only one chance of note for them so far. They’ve found a way back into it though, for sure.
Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
15:36 , Chris Wilson
72 mins
Enzo Fernandez comes on for Romeo Lavia.
In other news, West Ham have gone 1-0 up against Manchester United thanks to a goal from Crysencio Summerville. Crystal Palace still lead Spurs at Selhurst Park too.
Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
15:35 , Chris Wilson
69 mins
CHANCE!
Newcastle come forward and Joelinton releases Willock down the left. He hangs up the cross and Isak heads it towards goal, but James is there to clear it almost off the line!
Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
15:32 , Chris Wilson
67 mins
Both sides make subs as Madueke makes way for Mykhailo Mudryk for Chelsea, and Jacob Murphy, Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff come on for Miguel Almiron, Harvey Barnes and Sandro Tonali.
Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
15:30 , Chris Wilson
66 mins
Chelsea do look very comfortable at the moment. The away side look like they’re missing Anthony Gordon here.
Hall wins a free-kick near the Chelsea box after Madueke pulls him back. The England winger is booked for the challenge.
Schar lines it up but he curls his effort over.
Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
15:28 , Chris Wilson
64 mins
Barnes tries to lead the Newcastle attack as he’s fed the sweeping pass from Guimaraes, but he’s dispossessed.
Tonali is the next player booked for delaying the restart.
Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
15:26 , Chris Wilson
62 mins
Palmer feeds Neto down the left, but Chelsea are forced to work it backwards and Palmer’s ball into the box is caught by Pope.
Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
15:25 , Chris Wilson
59 mins
Chelsea attack again but the header bounces over and the goal kick is given, though it should have been corner.
Newcaslte try and launch an attack but Hall’s ball forward is cleared.
Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
15:22 , Chris Wilson
57 mins
Newcastle have their first real attack of the second half and it’s a dangerous one, as Barnes threads it to the overlapping Isak. He clips a ball towards the back post but it’s great defending from James to head away, almost on his own goal line.
Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
15:20 , Chris Wilson
55 mins
Lavia is booked for delaying the restart, and there’s a bit of a lull in attacking activity here as Madueke’s through ball goes out for a goal kick.
Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
15:17 , Chris Wilson
54 mins
It feels like a crucial point in the game now, as Chelsea could essentially win it here if they keep this up.
Gusto fires a shot well over, but Newcastle look very ragged and disjointed at the moment.
Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
15:16 , Chris Wilson
51 mins
Another Chelsea counter ends with Madueke hitting a weak shot at Pope. The home side are dominating once again though.
Newcastle look a bit shocked out there.
Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
15:14 , Chris Wilson
49 mins
So the home side are ahead once more – can they keep their lead (or even extend it) this time?
They almost do, as the cross comes in from Madueke. Neto rises early and gets above Livramento, but he crashes his header against the post!
GOAL! Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
15:11 , Chris Wilson
47 mins
GOAL! And the home side lead within a couple of minutes of kick-off!
Newcastle lose possession on halfway and Caicedo threads it to Palmer. He drives towards the box and hits a low shot to the near post – Pope gets a hand to it but he can’t keep it out!
KICK-OFF! Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle
15:09 , Chris Wilson
The away side get the second half underway in West London.
HALF-TIME! Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle
15:08 , Chris Wilson
The teams are coming back out at Stamford Bridge, so we’re moments away from the second half.
HALF-TIME! Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle
15:07 , Chris Wilson
And back at Stamford Bridge, we have an intriguing second half ahead of us between Chelsea and Newcastle.
The home side certainly dominated large parts of the first half and looked the more dangerous of the two teams. This dominance showed as Nicolas Jackson put the home side ahead within the first 20 minutes.
But the home defence switched off for a moment to allow Isak in to equalise, and since then it has been a little more equal.
Chelsea have certainly been the better of the two sides though, and they’ll fancy their chances of grabbing a win here.
Both sides will certainly need to be more clinical, and more solid at the back, if they are to come away with a win though.
HALF-TIME! Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle
15:03 , Chris Wilson
A note from around London – West Ham and Manchester United are currently level at the break, while Crystal Palace are defending a precarious lead at home to Spurs.
HAL-TIME! Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle
15:00 , Chris Wilson
HALF-TIME! Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle
14:54 , Chris Wilson
52 mins
HALF-TIME!
Probably the last chance of the half as Caicedo and Gusto combine to foul Barnes. Newcastle can swing in a dangerous set-piece here – Hall delivers it but Burn can only direct a header up into the air, and Sanchez collects it.
The referee blows the whistle and the two teams head down the tunnel level after the first half.
Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle
14:51 , Chris Wilson
50 mins
Isak is briefly down after being caught by Fofana, but both are fine. Up the other end, Chelsea are penalised as Jackson drifted offside.
Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle
14:50 , Chris Wilson
49 mins
Sanchez comes off his line well to deal with a dangerous long ball forward.
Hall picks out Barnes with a clipped ball forwards but Gusto does well to recover the ball.
Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle
14:49 , Chris Wilson
47 mins
Chelsea win another corner as Livramento heads Gusto’s cross behind. James delivers the set-piece – and it’s headed behind for another.
Palmer will deliver this one – and Pope punches it behind!
One more in-swinger from Palmer – it’s a dangerous delivery but Pope catches it well.
Worth noting that Newcastle have neither scored nor conceded from a corner so far this season.
Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle
14:46 , Chris Wilson
45 mins
Shouts around Stamford Bridge as Guimaraes avoids a foul after sliding in on Neto.
There’ll be SEVEN minutes of added time at the end of the first half.
Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle
14:45 , Chris Wilson
44 mins
Livramento does well to win a foul from Neto, and there’ll be some brief respite for the away side. At the other end, Colwill is calm enough to play a pass back to Sanchez to clear.
Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle
14:43 , Chris Wilson
42 mins
Barnes leads the Newcastle counter and he feels he’s fouled, but it was a good challenge from Lavia.
Moments after, Burn has his hands on Madueke as he looks to latch onto a long ball forward, but the referee doesn’t give the foul.
Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle
14:42 , Chris Wilson
41 mins
Chelsea are finishing the half in the ascendancy here. Neto – who’s moved onto the right wing for now – hits a deflected shot that has wrong-footed Pope, but the ‘keeper adjusts his feet to make a good save.
Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle
14:41 , Chris Wilson
39 mins
Another promising Chelsea attack as Palmer shifts it wide to Gusto before Neto has a shot deflected over for a corner.
Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle
14:37 , Chris Wilson
36 mins
Caicedo does well to win the ball back near the Newcastle box. It’s given back to him by Jackson, and the Ecuadorian blasts an effort over from outside the box.
Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle
14:36 , Chris Wilson
34 mins
So, despite some promising attacking play from Chelsea, they find themselves level. It was a well-worked goal from Newcastle, if not the prettiest.
In other news – Palace lead Spurs 1-0 after a strike from Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle
14:34 , Chris Wilson
33 mins
GOAL GIVEN!
Plenty of tension as VAR takes a while to look if Isak had drifted…but he’s played onside by Fofana’s right boot!
Newcastle are level!
GOAL! Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle
14:33 , Chris Wilson
32 mins
GOAL! The visitors are level!
Tonali and Joelinton exchange passes near halfway before the Italian slides a pass across to Harvey Barnes. The England man plays in Livramento on the overlap and he squares it for Isak to tap in!
Hang on though…it looks like there could be an offside!
Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle
14:31 , Chris Wilson
31 mins
Half a chance as Isak’s glancing header at the front post is well over.
Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle
14:31 , Chris Wilson
30 mins
The match has certainly calmed down a bit but you do get the sense that Chelsea could score whenever they attack.
Newcastle launch a long free-kick from their own half, which ends with Tonali winning a corner as Palmer charged down the cross.
Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle
14:29 , Chris Wilson
27 mins
Plenty of space in midfield for Chelsea when they look to attack, but it’s Newcastle who have a chance now.
They pour men forward and Isak finds Barnes with the cutback, but the shot is blocked. The away side attack again, but two shots are blocked from within the box and Chelsea counter to win a corner.
Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle
14:26 , Chris Wilson
25 mins
Good work from Caicedo as he receives a poorly judged pass from Sanchez but wriggles free to release Palmer.
The home side come forward again, and Neto beats Livramento down the left and manages to keep the ball in play, but Gusto can’t get a clean connection with the ball at the back post.
Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle
14:24 , Chris Wilson
23 mins
Madueke’s cross is headed down by Jackson but he can’t direct it back to a Chelsea man. The home side are dominating here.
Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle
14:23 , Chris Wilson
23 mins
Chelsea launch another attack and Jackson’s pass forward deflects into the path of Neto, who curls an effort into the gloves of Pope.
Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle
14:22 , Chris Wilson
22 mins
A lull in activity at the Bridge ends with Palmer drawing a foul and a yellow card as Schar trips him.
Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle
14:21 , Chris Wilson
19 mins
Newcastle look to answer straight away as Guimaraes finds Almiron with a chipped ball into the box, but the Paraguayan can’t get his effort on target.
GOAL! Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle
14:20 , Chris Wilson
18 mins
The home side are definitely ahead now!
It all comes from a Newcastle cross too as the ball in is cleared and it falls to Palmer. On the turn, he threads a brilliant pass to the overlapping Neto and the Portuguese beats Schar down the wing, before lifting his head and finding Jackson unmarked in the area. The striker slots a simple side-foot past Pope for 1-0!
Chelsea 0-0 Newcastle
14:18 , Chris Wilson
17 mins
Good work from Fofana to shepherd the ball and head it back to Sanchez. He’s looking alright now.
Chelsea 0-0 Newcastle
14:17 , Chris Wilson
15 mins
Huge shouts for a penalty from Newcastle as Guimaraes goes down as he burst into the box, but the referee waves it away! VAR will check it presumably…
No matter anyway, as he was well outside of the area.
No goals (except disallowed ones) in the first 15 in any of the three 2pm matches.
Chelsea 0-0 Newcastle
14:15 , Chris Wilson
14 mins
Palmer’s ball forward is blocked but he has a second chance and feeds through Neto down the left. The former Wolves man wins a corner.
James swings in the corner but it’s good defending from Hall to make the block.
Chelsea 0-0 Newcastle
14:14 , Chris Wilson
12 mins
Quite a lengthy bit of treatment for Fofana but he walks off and he looks like he’ll be okay to carry on. It looks like an issue with his knee .
Newcastle win a corner after Colwill deals with a ball forward to Joelinton, and a poor delivery ends with a Chelsea throw.
On second look, Fofana still looks uncomfortable out there.
Chelsea 0-0 Newcastle
14:11 , Chris Wilson
10 mins
Hall is dispossessed by Madueke and now it’s the turn of the home side to have possession. Once again, they don’t look in any particular rush in the opening stages.
Newcastle mount a counter that ends with Guimaraes hitting a deflected shot that Sanchez collects.
Wesley Fofana is briefly down after flying into a late challenge to try and stop the counter. He receives a yellow card for the tackle too.
14:08 , Chris Wilson
7 mins
James clips a inviting early ball over the defence but Pope rushes out to clear. Nice idea from the Chelsea captain.
Newcastle have their first bit of sustained possession just into the Chelsea half, but it’s a little pedestrian at the moment.
DISALLOWED GOAL! Chelsea 0-0 Newcastle
14:06 , Chris Wilson
6 mins
The goal is indeed disallowed as Palmer had stepped slightly offside. A second chance for Newcastle – that was far too easy for the home side.
GOAL! Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle
14:05 , Chris Wilson
4 mins
GOAL! The home side are ahead within four minutes!
James plays a pass inside and Jackson turns his man all too easily before sliding in a pass into the path of Palmer. He bursts into the box and slides a low effort across Pope and into the far corner.
Hold on though – it looks like Palmer has strayed offside…
Chelsea 0-0 Newcastle
14:04 , Chris Wilson
3 mins
Colwill is alert to head away Isak’s clipped cross, before Tonali is penalised for being offside.
Chelsea go on the counter and it falls to Madueke again after good work from Jackson, but the England winger can only drive a shot right at Pope.
Worth noting that Reece James is starting at left-back today, with Gusto in his favoured position.
Chelsea 0-0 Newcastle
14:02 , Chris Wilson
1 min
Just two points separate these two sides at kick-off, though there have been very different atmospheres around the two clubs of late.
Chelsea have the first meaningful attack as Madueke makes some space before his cross is collected by Pope.
Chelsea vs Newcastle LIVE
14:00 , Chris Wilson
KICK-OFF!
The home side get us underway in west London.
Newcastle have gone just over 600 minutes without a goal from open play – can they change that in a difficult game at Stamford Bridge?
Chelsea vs Newcastle LIVE
13:57 , Chris Wilson
Both sides are starting to emerge from the tunnel at Stamford Bridge, so we’ll be underway soon.
Chelsea v Newcastle LIVE
13:55 , Chris Wilson
We’re five minutes away from kick-off in west London.
There are 2pm kick-offs in the east and south of the capital today too – West Ham host Manchester United and Crystal Palace welcome Tottenham.
Chelsea vs Newcastle LIVE
13:50 , Chris Wilson
Chelsea vs Newcastle head-to-head
13:47 , Chris Wilson
These two sides have met a total of 176 times, with the first meeting dating back to 1907. Overall, Chelsea have won 80, Newcastle have won 56, and 40 have ended as draws.
Chelsea won 3-2 the last time the two teams met – in this fixture last season, when Chelsea won 3-2 in March.
Newcaslte beat the Blues 4-1 at St. James’ Park 11 months ago.
Howe on Gordon
13:44 , Chris Wilson
Eddie Howe says Anthony Gordon felt a problem with his groin yesterday and so has travelled to London but won’t feature. He’s not sure how long the England winger will be out.
Match facts
13:40 , Chris Wilson
Newcastle have won two of their last four Premier League games against Chelsea, drawing one and losing one. This is as many wins as they had in their previous 13 (D1 L10).
After winning three of their first four Premier League games this season, Newcastle have since failed to win their last four, drawing two and losing two. The Magpies last went five matches without winning in the league in March 2023.
Eddie Howe has won two of his Premier League games against Chelsea in charge of Newcastle – only Alan Pardew (four wins) has beaten the Blues more in the competition for the Magpies.
Howe also beat the Blues four times while in charge of Bournemouth and could be the third manager to win 3+ Premier League games against them with two different clubs, after Kenny Dalglish (Blackburn/Liverpool) and David Moyes (Everton/West Ham).
Enzo Maresca explains why ‘slow’ learner Mykhailo Mudryk is starting to prove worth for Chelsea
13:35 , Chris Wilson
Enzo Maresca admitted Mykhailo Mudryk has been a slower learner than his Chelsea teammates but praised the winger’s performance in his side’s 4-1 win over Panathinaikos.
It was an efficient yet thorough display in Athens to maintain the visitors’ perfect start in the Conference League and the Ukrainian’s contribution was key, scoring the second goal with a brave header as well as setting up two goals for Joao Felix.
Maresca previously challenged Mudryk to seize upon his selection in the starting XI and prove the worth of his £88million transfer fee, and those words were heeded as the 23-year-old had his strongest game of the season in the Olympic Stadium.
Enzo Maresca explains why ‘slow’ learner Mykhailo Mudryk is starting to prove worth
Match facts
13:30 , Chris Wilson
Chelsea’s last three Premier League defeats have come against last season’s top-three sides (0-5 vs Arsenal in April, 0-2 vs Man City in August, 1-2 vs Liverpool last weekend). The Blues are unbeaten in 19 games against all other teams (W13 D6), scoring 54 goals across these matches.
Chelsea have named the youngest average starting XI in the Premier League this season – 23 years, 220 days. They are the only team in Premier League history to get eight games into a season without using anyone over the age of 27.
Cole Palmer has 18 goals and five assists in his last 14 Premier League appearances at Stamford Bridge for Chelsea, while Nicolas Jackson has been involved in 13 goals in his last 13 Premier League appearances (nine goals, four assists).
Across the Premier League
13:20 , Chris Wilson
Chelsea’s match is just one of the important matches near the top end of the table today, as Arsenal host Liverpool at the Emirates at 4.30pm GMT.
Much has been made of Arsneal’s potential injury woes, but can Arteta get a solid performance out of a depleted side after a few poor results of late?
There’s also an additional 2pm kick-off today, as Manchester United travel to West Ham hoping to ease some of the pressure on Erik ten Hag. They currently sit 13th in the league on 11 points, one place and one point behind Newcastle.
13:15 , Chris Wilson
Chelsea have lost just one of their 29 Premier League home games against Newcastle, winning 21 and drawing seven. Their last loss against the Magpies was a 2-0 defeat in May 2012 – a game fondly remembered by some for a brilliant brace from Papiss Cisse.
Eddie Howe: “We have to have a perception of achievement and growing as a football club”
13:10 , Chris Wilson
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said that his side “need to score goals”, after suffering a small run of games without finding the net.
“It’s been at the heart of everything we’ve done since we’ve been here, to be an attacking team, and we certainly haven’t lost the intent to attack or score.
“I’d just love to see us be free and take those chances we create.
“We have to have a perception of achievement and growing as a football club to keep not just the so-called big names happy, but everyone happy and going in a forward direction.
“I’ve seen it very quickly go the other way. Myself and everyone connected at the club has a big job to try to keep that momentum positive.”
Howe also praised Anthony Gordon as “such a talent” after the winger signed a new deal at the club.
Enzo Maresca admits Chelsea lack ‘proper leader’ as he asks for ‘more personality’ from Reece James
13:05 , Chris Wilson
Enzo Maresca has told Reece James he expects more personality from Chelsea’s captain as the head coach admitted his squad is without a natural leader.
James made his first appearance of the season in the 2-1 defeat to Liverpool last weekend following a lengthy injury lay-off and did not travel with the side that beat Panathinaikos in Athens on Thursday.
The last two campaigns have been blighted by knee and hamstring problems for the 24-year-old but he was nevertheless appointed club skipper by previous boss Mauricio Pochettino last August.
“I spoke with him and I expect from him more in terms of leadership inside the changing room,” said Maresca.
“He’s on the way, he’s doing well, he’s progressing but I expect more.”
Enzo Maresca admits Chelsea lack ‘proper leader’ as he makes Reece James request
Team news
12:58 , Chris Wilson
Newcastle have made two changes to the side that lost at home to Brighton last week, and both changes come on the wings.
On the left, Miguel Almiron replaces Jacob Murphy, while Anthony Gordon – who is not in today’s squad – drops out in place of Harvey Barnes.
Team news
12:52 , Chris Wilson
Enzo Maresca has made tow changes to the side that slipped to a narrow defeat against Liverpool last week.
In defence, Wesley Fofana replaces Tosin Adarabioyo, while in midfield, Pedro Neto comes onto the left wing in place of Jadon Sancho.
Line-ups
12:47 , Chris Wilson
Chelsea XI: Sanchez; James, Fofana, Colwill, Gusto; Lavia, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson.
Subs: Jorgensen, Tosin, Veiga, Cucurella, Enzo, Mudryk, Sancho, Felix, Nkunku.
Newcastle XI: Pope; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Almiron, Isak, Barnes.
Subs: Odysseas, Ruddy, Krafth, Osula, Murphy, Kelly, Willock, Longstaff, Miley.
Chelsea are making progress at last — but a crucial task still faces Enzo Maresca
12:40 , Chris Wilson
The previous time Chelsea lost to Liverpool they were labelled the “blue billion-pound bottle jobs”. Eight months on, there was a more flattering appraisal, and from the victor. “If I would be a Chelsea manager, I would say if we can play like this at Anfield, we can compete for a top-four position,” said Arne Slot. This wasn’t a repeat of the Carabao Cup final, the extra-time failure against Jurgen Klopp’s kids, or their last trip to Anfield, the 4-1 walloping in January.
There was more respectability in a reverse. “We don’t like to lose, but if we have to, we choose this way,” said Enzo Maresca, who pronounced himself “proud but also upset”. The Italian may have been exaggerating when he said: “We controlled most of the game”. Slot’s verdict on his 2-1 win may have been fairer. “In an ideal world, we would have outplayed them completely but it was an equal game,” he said.
Chelsea are making progress at last — but a crucial task still faces Enzo Maresca
Predicted line-ups
12:30 , Chris Wilson
Here are The Independent’s predicted line-ups – we’ll have concrete team news at around 12.45pm.
Chelsea XI: Sanchez; James, Fofana, Colwill, Gusto; Fernandez, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson
Newcastle XI: Pope; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Joelinton, Guimaraes, Tonali; Barnes, Isak, Gordon.
Team news
12:25 , Chris Wilson
Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana are both back available for Chelsea after serving suspensions, while Reece James returned from injury last weekend.
Newcastle, meanwhile, remain without Callum Wilson after a set-back in the striker’s recovery, with Sven Botman, Kieran Trippier and Jamaal Lascelles also sidelined.
When is Chelsea vs Newcastle?
12:20 , Chris Wilson
Chelsea vs Newcastle is due to kick off at 2pm GMT on Sunday 27 October at Stamford Bridge.
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage from 1pm GMT. Subscribers can stream via Sky Go.
Is Chelsea v Newcastle on TV today? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch
Chelsea vs Newcastle LIVE
12:10 , Chris Wilson
Chelsea will hope to bounce back from defeat against Liverpool as Enzo Maresca’s side welcome Newcastle United to Stamford Bridge.
Having found form under their new manager, the loss at Anfield was the second successive Premier League game in which they had dropped points.
They now take on a Newcastle side that would climb above their hosts with three points, though are without a win in four fixtures.
Eddie Howe’s visitors have drawn a blank in their last two outings and will hope to remedy their attacking ailments here.
Chelsea vs Newcastle LIVE
12:00 , Chris Wilson
Good afternoon and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of today’s early kick-off between Chelsea and Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues are looking to return to winning ways after a loss against Liverpool last week, and the Magpies are doing the same after a surprise loss at home to Brighton.
We’ll have all the latest build-up, team news and updates right here.
