Newcastle vs Chelsea in the Premier League
Chelsea kick off the Premier League weekend with a trip at north, knowing they have left St James’ Park empty-handed on their last four visits. The Blues have recovered from their four-game winless streak, which derailed - and potentially ended - talk of a Premier League title challenge, but the last week has been clouded by comments from Enzo Maresca.
The Blues boss, after overseeing a 2-0 win over Everton, last week claimed he has just endured his “worst 48 hours” at Chelsea, comments he has since repeatedly refused to elaborate on or clarify beyond not blaming the fanbase. Then word of Manchester City’s interest in Maresca emerged to further muddy the waters in west London.
So, less than ideal preparation for a visit to one of Chelsea’s recent bogey teams, albeit one which is juggling a number of injuries - mainly in defence - and are languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League table. Follow the game LIVE below with our dedicated match blog, featuring expert insight and analysis from Dom Smith at St James Park.
Early Chelsea team news
Chelsea are missing Liam Delap and Estevao today, but both could be ready for their next match against Aston Villa on December 27.
Delap is out with a shoulder injury he picked up in the goalless draw at Bournemouth earlier this month, while Estevao was not involved in the 3-1 Carabao Cup quarter-final win over Cardiff City because of a “small muscular problem” which will again keep him out against Newcastle.
Cole Palmer is getting closer to being able to play a full 90 minutes as he slowly works his way back up to full fitness after a lay-off of more than two months due to a groin injury.
Marc Cucurella served a Carabao Cup suspension for the game at Cardiff but will come back into the team.
So will Robert Sanchez, who was rested for that match as second-choice goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen was handed a rare run-out.
At centre-back, Maresca is most likely to pair Trevoh Chalobah with Wesley Fofana.
Dario Essugo, Romeo Lavia and Levi Colwill all remain absent with longer-term injuries.
Getty Images
Early Newcastle team news
Eddie Howe is facing a burgeoning injury crisis.
Dan Burn was on the receiving end of a heavy tackle from Nordi Mukiele during last weekend’s Tyne-and-Wear Derby, sustaining a punctured lung and rib injury in the process.
Options are thin in defence, then, where Kieran Trippier, Emil Krafth, Sven Botman, and Jamal Lascelles join Burn in the physio’s room.
Ex-Chelsea full-backs Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall are both expected to miss the visit of their former club, with knee and hamstring injuries, respectively.
Hall, though, is pushing to return, with Howe admitting he “has a chance” of featuring.
Striker Will Osula (ankle) and shot-stopper Nick Pope (groin) complete the injury list.
How to watch Newcastle vs Chelsea
TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage starting at 11am ahead of a 12.30pm kick-off.
Live stream: TNT Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Discovery+ app and website.
Free highlights: The Sky Sports app and YouTube channel will show highlights from full-time, with Match of the Day broadcasting on BBC One at 10.20pm.
Good morning and welcome to the London Standard’s LIVE coverage of the Premier League clash between Newcastle and Chelsea.
The Blues have lost their last four trips to St James’ Park, it becoming somewhat of a bogey trip for them in recent years.
But this Newcastle team is struggling of late. Injuries has affected form, and the impact of the loss of Alexander Isak is clear for all to see.
Can they record a fifth straight home win over Chelsea? Kick-off is at 12.30pm. Stick with us.