There was little to choose between the two sides last season, with both finishing in the Champions League places, while the home team won both league matches between them.
Additionally, there was a third meeting during the 2024/25, when Newcastle knocked Chelsea out of the Carabao Cup on their way to lifting the trophy.
This season, they have both progressed to the semi-final stage of the Carabao Cup, with midweek victories over Fulham and Cardiff City respectively.
Newcastle
There are several injury issues for Eddie Howe to contend with ahead of the match, particularly in defence where he will be missing Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn and Sven Botman.
Burn suffered a rib injury in last weekend’s Tyne-Wear Derby, following Sunderland defender Nordi Mukiele’s challenge. He was taken to hospital and will be unavailable for at least four weeks as he recovers.
Dan Burn was forced off in the first half against Sunderland. Source: Carl Recine - Getty Images
Tino Livramento joined the list of defensive absentees until the New Year, as he limped off towards the end of Newcastle’s midweek meeting with Fulham.
Meanwhile, there is a chance that Lewis Hall and Nick Pope will be available but Howe did not give much away on either of their situations.
Chelsea
Young Brazilian talent Estêvão was a surprise exclusion from the Chelsea squad who faced Cardiff on Tuesday, however, Enzo Maresca explained that he missed the game with a small muscle problem which also keeps him out vs Newcastle.
Meanwhile, Moises Caicedo is available for a Premier League squad this weekend for the first time since he received a red card and three match suspension against Arsenal.
Having been rested for their trip to Cardiff, Cole Palmer will also be available to face Newcastle
Other absentees for the Blues include Liam Delap, who suffered a shoulder injury at Bournemouth, Romeo Lavia and Levi Colwill.
Likely Lineups
Newcastle (4-3-3): Ramsdale; Hall, Thiaw, Schär, Miley; Tonali, Guimarães, Willock; Gordon, Elanga, Woltemade
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sánchez; Cucurella, Chalobah, Fofana, Gusto; Caicedo, James; Neto, Fernández, Palmer; João Pedro
Key Players
Newcastle - Bruno Guimarães
Guimarães plays a major role in Newcastle’s midfield engine where their tenacity is often crucial to their successes.
He has captained the Newcastle side since the start of last season and sets an example on the pitch in his ability to create chances and contribute defensively.
No Newcastle player has more shot creating actions than Guimarães, who has 79 across all competitions, 29 more than fellow midfielder Sandro Tonali.
In addition, his off-ball work is equally vital to the team with 51 tackles and interceptions - only second to Burn.
Chelsea - Pedro Neto
Neto has established himself as a crucial player in Maresca’s side this season and is Chelsea’s top scorer with six goals in all competitions, as well as three assists.
He added another important goal to his Chelsea résumé in their cup quarter-final, before Garnacho secured the win in injury time.
Pedro Neto restored Chelsea's lead against Cardiff on Tuesday. Source: Darren Walsh - Chelsea FC.
The Portuguese forward often appears on the right wing, however, has been known to play on the left and **Cole Palmer**’s return means he is likely to play there again on Saturday.
In a team of players like Palmer and João Pedro, who prefer to receive the ball to feet, Neto’s ability to stretch the opposition defence from any position across the forward line is especially useful.
Match Details
Where is the game being played?
St James Park.
What time is kick-off?
12:30pm GMT.
How can I watch?
The match will be live on TNT Sports 1