Newcastle vs Chelsea prediction
The Premier League returns for Matchday 17 with a compelling encounter at St James’ Park on Saturday, 20 December 2025, kick-off 3:30 GMT+3. Newcastle United will host Chelsea FC in a fixture that carries significance for both clubs’ aspirations this season. Newcastle, under Eddie Howe, occupy 12th place with 22 points, while Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea sit fourth on 28 points. This preview assesses form, head-to-head context, and team news before offering a reasoned betting prediction for the match.
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Main Betting Tip: Both teams score? Yes
Both clubs possess the attacking capability to find the net; Chelsea have scored 27 goals this season, and Newcastle have shown potency at home. Newcastle’s defence has been breached regularly, reflected by their 20 goals conceded; Chelsea have the attacking quality to take advantage. Moreover, the historical tendency in recent meetings and the current season patterns suggest open phases of play where both sides are likely to score. Best available odds on this market: Both teams to score — YES at Betwinner with odds 1.54.
Betting Tip 2: Under 3.5 goals
Despite predicting that both sides will score, the match dynamics and the importance of avoiding defeat for both teams could lead to a cautiously contested game with limited overall goal volume. Both managers value defensive organisation — Eddie Howe’s Newcastle typically structures their game to be difficult to break down at home, and Enzo Maresca emphasises compactness when controlling matches. These factors make under 3.5 goals a plausible outcome even if both teams find the net.
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Betting Tip 3: Correct score 1-1
The projected balance between attacking intent and defensive caution supports a low-scoring draw as a credible specific outcome. A 1:1 scoreline reflects both teams converting one clear opportunity while maintaining structured defensive lines for the remainder of the contest. This is consistent with the Under 2.5 goals selection while still satisfying the Both Teams to Score prediction. Correct score reference in the supplied markets: 1:1 Draw.
Statistics for Newcastle United vs Chelsea FC
Newcastle United team news!
Coach: Eddie Howe. Newcastle sit 12th with 22 points from 17 matches, having recorded 6 wins, 4 draws, and 6 defeats, with a goal record of 21 scored and 20 conceded. Their home form is notably stronger than their away record: at St James’ Park, they have accumulated 5 wins, 1 draw, and 2 defeats, making them a difficult side to displace on home soil. The most recent result was a 2:1 home win against Fulham, a confidence-boosting performance. Eddie Howe’s tactical approach typically blends structured defensive organisation with quick, incisive forward play; however, defensive lapses across the season have left them vulnerable in higher-tempo encounters. Injuries and squad rotation will influence selection, but the team news suggests Newcastle will aim to leverage home advantage and physical presence.
Chelsea FC team news!
Coach: Enzo Maresca. Chelsea occupy a top-four position with 28 points from 17 matches, attained via 8 wins, 4 draws, and 4 defeats, and a goal difference of +12 (27:15). Their away record of 4 wins, 2 draws, and 2 defeats shows they travel well and can adapt to different match environments. Chelsea’s most recent outing was a convincing 3:1 away win at Cardiff City, indicating offensive efficiency and cohesion in attack. Enzo Maresca’s methods emphasize tactical discipline and quick vertical transitions; when executed well, Chelsea poses a significant threat from wide areas and set pieces. Squad rotation and management of fitness will be important given the congested fixture calendar.
H2H statistics
The head-to-head record over the last five meetings across all competitions shows Chelsea with a narrow advantage: Chelsea 3 wins, Newcastle 2 wins, and no draws. The most recent direct meeting resulted in a 2:0 home victory for Newcastle. This mixed record highlights that while Chelsea have been slightly more successful in recent encounters, Newcastle are capable of producing decisive results at St James’ Park.
Last results Newcastle United
In their last five matches across all competitions, Newcastle have recorded 2 wins, 2 draws, and 1 defeat. Their current form reflects relative stability and the ability to grind out results, particularly at home, while also showing some vulnerability when games open up.
Last results of Chelsea FC
Chelsea’s last five matches have produced 2 wins, 1 draw, and 2 defeats. The form is somewhat uneven but demonstrates the capacity to win convincingly, as seen in the most recent 3:1 victory. Consistency remains the central objective for Enzo Maresca’s side.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, this fixture presents a competitive challenge for both teams. Chelsea arrive as marginal favourites owing to superior league position, a stronger overall goal difference, and a solid away performance. Newcastle’s home record and the intimidating atmosphere of St James’ Park, however, make them capable of frustrating visiting sides. On balance, the most likely outcome is that both teams will be able to score, with the most likely final scoreline being a 1-1 draw.
