Newcastle vs Chelsea Predictions

bet365 logo

bet365

Bet £10 Get £30 In Free Bets
Open Account Offer – New Customers only. Bet £10 and get £30 in Free Bets when you join bet365. Sign up, deposit between £5 and £10 to your account and bet365 will give you three times that value in Free Bets when you place qualifying bets to the same value settle. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits. Min odds/bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. T&Cs, time limits & exclusions apply. Registration Required. #Ad. 18+ Only, gambleaware.org.
BetMGM logo

BetMGM

Bet £10 Get £40 In Free Bets
New cust. Deposit £10+ in 7 days & bet on sports. Min odds apply. Reward = 4 x £10 Free Bets (2 x £10 Bet Builders & 2 x £10 Sports bet). Valid 7 days. Free bets not valid on e-sports & non UK/IE horse racing. 18+. T&Cs apply.
William Hill logo

William Hill

Bet £10 Get £30 In Free Bets
18+. Play Safe. From 00:01 on 18.10.2022. £30 bonus. New customers only. Minimum £10 stake on odds of 1/2 (1.5) or greater on sportsbook (excluding Virtual markets). Further terms apply. #Ad. 18+Only, gambleaware.org.
Betfred logo

Betfred

Bet £10 Get £50 in Free Bets
New customers only. Register, deposit with Debit Card, and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility exclusions & T&Cs Apply.
BetUK logo

BetUK

Bet £10 Get £30 In Bonuses
New cust only. Opt-in required. Deposit & place a bet within 7 days and settle a £10 minimum bet at odds of 4/5 (1.8) or greater to be credited with 3 x £10 Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Free Bet Builder and 1 x £10 football. Free Bets cannot be used on e-sports and non-UK/IE horse racing. 7 day expiry. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply. Acca Club: Available to new & existing customers. 3 or more selections. Min Odds: 3/10 (1.3) per leg. Max stake: £500. Max Winnings: £200,000 per boost. Profit Boost amounts vary. Horse Racing, Greyhounds & Trotting excluded. Exclusions apply. Full T&C’s apply. 18+ GambleAware.org.
LiveScoreBet logo

LiveScoreBet

Bet £10 Get £30 In Free Bets
New members only. £10+ bet on sports (ex. Virtuals) 1.5 min odds, settled within 14 days. Free Bets: accept in 7 days, valid 7 days; £20 use on sportsbook, £10 on Bet Builder. Stake not returned. T&C’s Apply + deposit exclusions apply #Ad. 18+Only, gambleaware.org.
10Bet logo

10Bet

100% up to £50 on first deposit
New bettors. Select bonus at signup or use code SPORT. Wager deposit & bonus 8x. Max qualifying bet = bonus. Valid 60 days. Odds, bet & payment limits apply. T&Cs Apply; 18+ | Please gamble responsibly #Ad. 18+Only, gambleaware.org
Virgin Bet logo

Virgin Bet

Bet £10 Get £30 In Free Bets
New members only. £10 min deposit & bet on sportsbook (ex. virtuals), placed & settled at 1.5 min odds in 14 days of sign-up. Win part of E/W bets. Free Bets: accept in 7 days, valid 7 days, use on sportsbook only (ex. virtuals), stakes not returned. T&Cs Apply and deposit exclusions apply. Please gamble responsibly #Ad. 18+Only, gambleaware.org.
18+#AdPlease gamble responsibly
Can Newcastle’s home bite unsettle Chelsea’s control at St James’ Park?

Fresh from EFL Cup quarter-final triumphs in midweek, Newcastle United and Chelsea head straight into a Premier League meeting at St James’ Park. It’s the sort of fixture that rarely arrives quietly: two sides with enough attacking talent to light up a cold afternoon, and enough edge in the match-up to make the first big tackle feel like an announcement.

St James’ Park
Newcastle United crest
Newcastle United
Chelsea crest
Chelsea
Bet on this Game
Watch Football Live
Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets WATCH HERE Join & Watch Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets
Live streaming for this match is not available on bet365 – See streaming options below to watch this game
New customers
Don’t have an account with bet365 yet?
1 – Sign up, 2 – deposit between £5 and £10 and 3 – place qualifying bets to unlock the bet365 new customer offer. 4 – You can then enjoy In-Play betting and live streaming on selected events (this fixture is not one of them – see live streaming terms below).
New Customers only. Bet £10 and get £30 in Free Bets when you join bet365. Sign up, deposit between £5 and £10 to your account and bet365 will give you three times that value in Free Bets when you place qualifying bets to the same value settle. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits. Min odds/bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. T&Cs , time limits & exclusions apply. Registration Required. #Ad. 18+ Only, gambleaware.org .
Already have an account? Log in to bet365 .
To use the Live Streaming service you will need to be logged in and have a funded account or to have placed a bet in the last 24 hours. Geo location and live streaming rules apply.
For this match, live streaming is not available on bet365. To add to the In-Play excitement, bet365 stream over 200,000 events live to your PC every year – so you can bet as the action unfolds. Highlights include Masters Series Tennis tournaments and matches from some of the top domestic Soccer leagues in the world. To use the Live Streaming service you will need to be logged in and have a funded account or to have placed a bet in the last 24 hours. Any fixture/event on our website which has the Play or Video icon next to it is scheduled to be shown via Live Streaming. Geo location and live streaming rules apply . #Ad. 18+ Only, Gamble Responsibly gambleaware.org .
Global Video Listings for this match
The broadcasters below are not affiliated with bet365. Availability is subject to your location, subscription status and local broadcasting rights.
United Kingdom
NOW, Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Go
Germany
WOW, Sky Stream, Sky Go
Australia
Stan Sport
Brazil
Disney+ Premium, ESPN, Disney+ Estándar
Canada
DAZN, Fubo Sports
Chile
Disney+ Premium, ESPN, Disney+ Estándar
Spain
DAZN, DAZN 1 Bar, DAZN 1
United States
Peacock
Italy
Sky Sport, NOW, Sky Sport 4K, Sky Sport Uno
Mexico
MAX, TNT, TNT Sports
Peru
Disney+ Premium, ESPN, Disney+ Estándar
Republic of Ireland
Premier Sports 1
Sweden
Viaplay.se, V Sport Ultra HD, V Sport Premium, Allente
Austria
Sky Stream, Sky X
Readers’ Tip Vote your pick — quick & anonymous
Tip: this is a quick reader poll (not odds, not advice).
🔑 Unlock your Premium Tips — exclusive picks & results inside.
Unlock Now

Newcastle vs Chelsea Predictions and Best Bets

Newcastle United vs Chelsea — bet365 Market Snapshot

Information only. Odds shown below are examples from the listed prices and can change.

Newcastle United crest
Newcastle United
vs
Chelsea crest
Chelsea
Main Market • 1X2
Match Result — Listed Prices & Percentages

Snapshot of the 1X2 prices alongside the supplied percentage figures. Display is informational and reflects the listed numbers as provided.

Newcastle United
63%
bet365 2.45
Draw
19%
bet365 3.65
Chelsea
50%
bet365 2.75
Correct Score
Scoreline Reference Points (Season Patterns)

Newcastle’s most frequent league scoreline is 2–1 (4 times, 25%). Chelsea’s most frequent is also 2–1 (2 times, 13%), with 0–0 appearing twice (13%).

Newcastle 2–1
25% bet365 17/2
Newcastle 0–0
19% bet365 13/1
Chelsea 2–1
13% bet365 8/1
1–1 Draw
13% bet365 6/1
Chelsea 0–1
Goals • Team & Match
Goals & BTTS Snapshot (Listed)

Listed goal lines and BTTS prices, shown alongside the supplied percentage figures. Implied (from listed odds) can be read as 1 ÷ decimal odds.

Over 2.5
69% bet365 1.72
BTTS – Yes
63% bet365 1.54
Over 1.5
82% bet365 1.20
Player Focus
Top Scorers (Premier League, 2025/26)

A quick look at leading scorers for each side this season: Nick Woltemade (6) and Bruno Guimarães (5) for Newcastle; Pedro Neto (5) and João Pedro (4) for Chelsea.

Woltemade
6 goals bet365 7/4
João Pedro
4 goals bet365 2/1
Cole Palmer
2 goals bet365 15/8
Information only. Any probabilities shown are implied from the listed odds (where available). Prices can change. 18+ GambleAware.
  • St James’ Park streak: Newcastle have scored in every single home game this season, and they’ve also found the net in their last eight home matches in all competitions.
  • Chelsea’s defensive platform: Chelsea have conceded 15 goals in 16 league matches and kept 8 clean sheets, a record that underpins their fourth-place position and +12 goal difference.
  • Fixture history, with goals: Across 37 previous meetings, Chelsea have 19 wins to Newcastle’s 11 and have scored 60 goals; the match-up averages 2.76 goals per game overall.

Match Tempo: Average Goals per League Game

Both sides sit in a similar “event” bracket this season, and the average goals-per-game gives a clean snapshot of how open this contest can feel.

Newcastle United
High-event profile
2.56
Average total goals per Premier League match

Newcastle matches average 2.56 total goals, with a home match-goals average of 3.00 adding extra lift at St James’ Park.

Chelsea
Consistent tempo
2.63
Average total goals per Premier League match

Chelsea matches average 2.63 total goals overall, and 2.88 in away games — a steady baseline for chances at both ends.

Defensive Stability: Clean Sheets This Season

Clean sheets show how often a side keeps the scoreline “quiet” at the back — a simple measure of defensive control across the campaign so far.

Newcastle United
Work in progress
5
Clean sheets in 16 Premier League matches

Five shutouts in 16 league games suggests Newcastle can lock in defensively — but they’ve still conceded 20 in total.

Chelsea
More shutouts
8
Clean sheets in 16 Premier League matches

Eight clean sheets in 16 matches backs up a goals-against figure of 15 — a platform that can travel.

Attacking Reliability: How Often They Hit the Net

This compares Newcastle’s home scoring run with Chelsea’s away scoring rate — a quick pointer to how regularly each side finds a route to goal.

Newcastle United (home)
Perfect home return
8 / 8
Home league games with at least one Newcastle goal

Newcastle have scored in every home league game this season, keeping St James’ Park in the game even when the rhythm shifts.

Chelsea (away)
Regular threat
87%
Away league matches in which Chelsea have scored

Chelsea have scored in 87% of their away league matches, matching an away scoring rate of 1.88 goals per game.

There’s recent history here too. The clubs haven’t met in the league since May last season, when Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimarães scored in a 2-0 home win for Eddie Howe’s Newcastle. That result still hangs in the air because it spoke to something deeper than one afternoon: Newcastle finding a way to set the tone at home, and doing it with their midfield stepping into the spotlight rather than waiting for a forward to rescue the narrative.

This weekend’s contest comes with both teams already deep enough into the campaign for the table to feel meaningful rather than decorative. After 16 matches, Chelsea sit fourth with 28 points and a goal difference of +12, having scored 27 and conceded 15. Newcastle are 12th on 22 points with a goal difference of +1, scoring 21 and conceding 20. That’s not a canyon, but it is a gap with consequences: Chelsea have built a platform that keeps them in touch with the leading pack, while Newcastle are still hunting for a run that makes their position feel like a stepping stone rather than a ceiling.

Why betting with bet365?
Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets
Claim Offer
Fast, Flexible Payments Weekly Super Boosts Custom Bet Builder Top-Rated Mobile App Early Payout & Sub-On Live Streaming & In-Play
Open Account Offer – New Customers only. Bet £10 and get £30 in Free Bets when you join bet365. Sign up, deposit between £5 and £10 to your account and bet365 will give you three times that value in Free Bets when you place qualifying bets to the same value settle. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits. Min odds/bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. T&Cs , time limits & exclusions apply. Registration Required. #Ad. 18+ Only, gambleaware.org

St James’ Park, though, has a habit of turning general form into something far more specific. Newcastle are averaging 2.00 points per home match in the league, and they’ve been unbeaten in their last five home games. They’ve also scored in every single home game this season, and they’ve found the net in their last eight home matches. Those are the kind of streaks that don’t guarantee anything, but they do shape how both teams will approach the opening phases. Newcastle can play with the confidence of a side who expect to score in this stadium; Chelsea have to decide whether they meet that head-on or try to smother it early.

Chelsea’s travelling numbers are strong, too. Their away points-per-game in the league is 1.75, with an away record listed as four wins, two draws and two defeats. They average 1.88 goals per away match and concede 1.00. Add in an overall average possession of 59%, and you can see the outline of a team comfortable taking the ball and taking the air out of a hostile ground—if they can survive the moments when Newcastle turn the game into a sprint.

What makes this match compelling is that both sides can plausibly see it their way. Newcastle have home momentum, a midfield full of bite and quality, and wide threats who can turn second balls into chaos. Chelsea arrive higher in the table, with a profile that suggests control: more possession, a higher shots-per-match figure (14.13), and a defensive record that includes 8 clean sheets in 16 league games. It sets up a proper contest of instincts: Newcastle asking the game to be played with noise and needle; Chelsea trying to keep it clean and structured.

And once the first wave is ridden—once the early tackles, early duels, early runs in behind are dealt with—this is the kind of fixture that can pivot on a single spell. A five-minute surge. A sloppy pass at the wrong angle. A set of second balls around the box. The match won’t need much of an excuse to swing.

Free Bet Offers
Swipe to see more →
William Hill

William Hill

£30 Free Bets

Bet £10 Get £30 In Free Bets

Show Terms & Conditions
18+. Play Safe. From 00:01 on 18.10.2022. £30 bonus. New customers only. Minimum £10 stake on odds of 1/2 (1.5) or greater on sportsbook (including Virtual markets). Further terms apply. #Ad. 18+ Only, gambleaware.org. Terms and Conditions
BetMGM

BetMGM

£40 Free Bets

Bet £10 Get £40 In Free Bets

Show Terms & Conditions
New customers only. 7 days to place qualifying bet of £10 at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 × £10 Free Bets: 1 × £10 football, 1 × £10 horse racing & 2 × £10 Bet Builders. Free Bets cannot be used on e-sports and non-UK/IE horse racing. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply. #Ad. 18+ Only, gambleaware.org. Terms and Conditions
bet365

bet365

£30 Free Bets

Bet £10 Get £30 In Free Bets

Open Account Offer - New Customers only. Bet £10 and get £30 in Free Bets when you join bet365. Sign up, deposit between £5 and £10 to your account and bet365 will give you three times that value in Free Bets when you place qualifying bets to the same value settle. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits. Min odds/bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. T&Cs, time limits & exclusions apply. Registration Required. #Ad. 18+ Only, gambleaware.org.
Betfred

Betfred

£30 Free Bets

Bet £10 Get £30 In Free Bets

Show Terms & Conditions
New customers only. Register, deposit with Debit Card, and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 × £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 × £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility exclusions & T&Cs apply. #Ad. 18+ Only, gambleaware.org. Terms and Conditions
10bet

10bet

£50 Welcome

100% Up To £50 On First Deposit

Show Terms & Conditions
New bettors. Select bonus at signup or use code SPORT. Wager deposit & bonus 8×. Max qualifying bet = bonus. Valid 60 days. Odds, bet & payment limits apply. T&Cs Apply; 18+ | Please gamble responsibly. #Ad. 18+ Only, gambleaware.org. Terms and Conditions
#Ad · 18+ Only · Please gamble responsibly · BeGambleAware.org

Team News and Likely Set-Ups

Newcastle’s possible starting line-up is listed as: Aaron Ramsdale; Lewis Miley, Fabian Schär, Malick Thiaw, Lewis Hall; Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimarães, Joelinton; Anthony Elanga, Nick Woltemade, Anthony Gordon.

On paper, that reads like a 4-3-3 shape with a midfield three designed to compete and then create. Tonali and Guimarães give Newcastle control of rhythm and distribution from deeper areas, while Joelinton adds that “third man” physicality—arriving to compete for loose balls, driving forward when space opens, and making life unpleasant for any pivot trying to turn. Ahead of them, Elanga and Gordon promise direct running either side of Woltemade, with the potential for the wide forwards to attack early and keep Chelsea’s full-backs honest.

The back line is intriguing. Schär is the obvious organiser, while Thiaw’s presence alongside him suggests Newcastle will be comfortable defending big spaces if the game stretches. With Hall at full-back, there’s an outlet for progression, but also the question of how aggressively Newcastle want to push their wide defenders if Chelsea’s wingers are already positioned to counter.

Chelsea’s possible starting line-up is listed as: Robert Sánchez; Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana, Marc Cucurella; Moisés Caicedo, Enzo Fernández; Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer, Alejandro Garnacho; João Pedro.

That’s a classic 4-2-3-1 build, and it tells you immediately what Chelsea might try to do: use the double pivot to control transitions, let Palmer operate between the lines, and attack with variety through Neto and Garnacho either side of João Pedro. It’s a forward unit that can play to feet, run behind, and—crucially—make the opposition back line defend different types of problems in the same move.

James and Cucurella as full-backs suggests Chelsea can build in multiple ways. If James steps into midfield zones, Chelsea can create overloads to play through the centre. If Cucurella pushes on, the left side can become a high-tempo channel for combinations with Garnacho. Behind them, Chalobah and Fofana look like a pairing built for athletic coverage—useful if Newcastle’s wide forwards turn the match into repeated footraces.

There is also an injuries/suspensions list dated 16/12/2025 that includes Emil Krafth, Dan Burn, Sven Botman and Kieran Trippier for Newcastle, and elsewhere a “lineup predictions & injuries” section lists Caicedo as injured and Facundo Buonanotte as injured for Chelsea. What that means for the likely XI is less about who is missing—because the matchday selection can still be fluid—and more about what it implies stylistically. If Newcastle’s selection leans into Schär and Thiaw as the centre-back partnership, it points toward defending space confidently and playing forward early. If Chelsea’s midfield is built around Fernández with Caicedo, it’s a statement of intent: keep Newcastle’s transitions under control and let the attackers win the game.


How the Match Could Be Played

The first tactical question is simple: who sets the tempo?

Newcastle at home often look like a team who want the match to feel loud, fast, and slightly untidy. Their home scoring rate is 1.75 goals per match, and their home match-goals average is 3.00. Those numbers don’t just hint at entertainment; they hint at a game state Newcastle are comfortable living inside—one where moments arrive regularly, and the crowd can turn each regained ball into a shove up the pitch.

With Tonali and Guimarães in the middle, Newcastle can also choose to slow the game down when they need to. That’s the key: a good home side doesn’t play at one speed; it plays at the speed that hurts you. If Chelsea press high, Newcastle can play through with midfield rotations and use Woltemade as a reference point to link play. If Chelsea sit off, Newcastle can build patiently, then release the wide runners once the passing lanes open.

Chelsea, though, don’t arrive looking like a team who want to be dragged into a scrap for scraps’ sake. Their average possession is listed at 59%, compared to Newcastle’s 49%. That suggests Chelsea are accustomed to controlling large chunks of the ball, shifting the opposition side-to-side, and forcing them to defend longer than they want. Against a Newcastle midfield with genuine bite, the challenge becomes: can Chelsea keep the ball in the right areas, rather than the safe ones?

The double pivot of Caicedo and Fernández is designed to make that possible. If both stay connected and disciplined, Chelsea can build through central zones without leaving themselves vulnerable to the type of transition Newcastle love—those moments where a loose touch becomes a sprint. But if Newcastle can pull one of them out of the centre—tempting a press, forcing a duel—then Palmer becomes the pressure point. Because Palmer’s positioning behind João Pedro can pin Newcastle’s midfield, and if Newcastle over-commit to stopping him, Neto and Garnacho become runners into the half-spaces.

That takes us to the second tactical question: where are the 1v1s, and who likes them?

Newcastle’s wide threats in this possible XI—Elanga and Gordon—are built for directness. They don’t need ten passes to feel useful; they need one pass into space and a full-back caught on the wrong foot. That can force Chelsea’s full-backs into conservative positioning, which has a knock-on effect: if James and Cucurella can’t push high, Chelsea’s attack can become narrower and more predictable.

Chelsea’s wingers, though, are hardly passive. Neto and Garnacho give Chelsea two different problems to throw at Newcastle: the kind of wide play that can hug the touchline and stretch the pitch, and the kind that can dribble inside and ask midfielders to defend like full-backs. If Newcastle’s full-backs are aggressive, Chelsea can attack the space behind them. If Newcastle’s full-backs sit off, Chelsea can occupy advanced wide zones and build pressure.

There’s also a central duel that could define the match: Newcastle’s midfield three against Chelsea’s pivot-plus-ten structure. Newcastle’s trio—Tonali, Guimarães, Joelinton—has the potential to outnumber and outmuscle Chelsea in the middle third, especially if Joelinton is used to jump out and press Fernández or Caicedo as soon as the ball is played into them. That kind of pressure can force Chelsea wide early, which might suit Newcastle if they can then trap the ball near the touchline and win it back with the crowd roaring them on.

But Chelsea can flip that dynamic if Palmer finds pockets behind Newcastle’s midfield. If Tonali and Guimarães are drawn toward the ball too eagerly, Palmer can receive in the seam and play early into the channels for João Pedro, Neto or Garnacho. The match then becomes less about controlled possession and more about one or two vertical passes turning a stable situation into a chance.

The pressing story matters here too. Newcastle’s home trend listed elsewhere—unbeaten at half time in 13 out of 13 most recent home games in all competitions—suggests they often begin matches with structure and intensity. That doesn’t automatically mean a frantic high press; it can also mean a well-timed press, where triggers are chosen rather than constant. The likely triggers in this game would be: a sideways pass into a full-back, a heavy touch by a centre-back facing his own goal, or a pass into the pivot with a Newcastle midfielder already on the move.

Chelsea’s response depends on how brave they want to be. If Sánchez and the centre-backs try to play through the first line, the match can open quickly, because Newcastle’s midfield is built for duels and second balls. If Chelsea go more direct at times—aiming for João Pedro and looking for Palmer underneath—Newcastle’s centre-backs have to win their aerial and physical battles cleanly, and the full-backs must be ready to collect the pieces.

One more layer: how the game looks in transition.

Newcastle’s recent run mentioned earlier includes 10 goals in their last five matches, and they’ve taken 10 points from those five games. Whatever the exact shape, that speaks to a team finding ways to turn chances into points. If Newcastle score first—something they’ve done in 11 of their 16 matches—the atmosphere can shift quickly into a “here we go again” feeling, which suits a side who are unbeaten in their last five at home.

Chelsea, however, have their own sense of rhythm. Their second-half profile is notable: in the second half across 16 matches, they’re listed with seven wins, seven draws and two losses, and away from home their second-half points-per-game is 2.25. That hints at a team comfortable managing matches after the break—either by taking control with the ball, or by striking when the game opens. If the match is level entering the final half-hour, Chelsea’s ability to stay organised and still create could become decisive.


The Numbers That Support the Story

Start with the table, because it sets the stakes without telling you how the match will feel. After 16 games, Chelsea have 28 points with a +12 goal difference, while Newcastle have 22 points with a +1 goal difference. Chelsea’s scoring rate is 1.69 goals per match and they concede 0.94; Newcastle score 1.31 and concede 1.25. The implication is not that one side “must” control the match, but that Chelsea have been more efficient at turning performances into a healthier goal balance.

Now bring it closer to the ground. Newcastle’s home points-per-game is 2.00, and they’re unbeaten in five home matches. They’ve scored in every home league game this season, with an eight-game home scoring streak mentioned elsewhere. That matters because it changes Chelsea’s defensive problem: you’re not simply trying to prevent chances, you’re trying to prevent the stadium from getting the moment it expects.

Chelsea’s away points-per-game is 1.75, and their away scoring rate is 1.88 goals per match. Combine that with Newcastle’s home concession rate of 1.25 per match, and you have the outline of a match where both sides can reasonably believe they’ll create. It also makes the midfield battle even more important, because the team that wins the transition moments is likely to turn “half chances” into real chances.

The shooting profile adds colour. Newcastle’s shots per match are listed as 12.19 overall, rising to 14.38 at home, with 5.63 shots on target per match at home. Chelsea’s shots per match are listed at 14.13 overall and 13.13 away, with 5.00 shots on target away. That’s not a massive gap; it’s a reminder that both teams can generate volume, especially in the environments they prefer. The difference might lie in where those shots come from and how quickly they arrive after regains.

Possession numbers reinforce the likely contrast in styles: Newcastle at 49%, Chelsea at 59%. That matters because it speaks to how each side might feel comfortable defending. Newcastle can accept periods without the ball if they trust their shape and their ability to break forward. Chelsea are likely happiest when they can string phases together, making Newcastle chase, and choosing the moment to accelerate through Palmer or the wingers.

Expected goals figures—Newcastle 1.49 xG per match overall (1.70 at home), Chelsea 1.64 overall (1.55 away)—support the idea that both teams can build chances consistently. The defensive side of that is also telling: Newcastle’s xG against is 1.30 (1.27 at home), Chelsea’s is 1.15 (1.21 away). In plain terms, Chelsea’s defensive platform has been stronger across the season, but Newcastle’s home environment still tends to produce a more open match profile, with their home match-goals average at 3.00.

Finally, the historical meeting numbers add context without dictating the present. Across 37 previous meetings mentioned, Newcastle have 11 wins, Chelsea have 19, and seven ended in draws; Newcastle have scored 42 and Chelsea 60 in those matches. The average goals across those meetings is listed as 2.76, with both teams scoring happening 46% of the time. That’s not a prophecy; it’s simply a reminder that this fixture has often found a way to create chances and storylines, even when the teams have arrived in different moods.


Key “Moments” to Watch

The first big “moment” might be less about a chance and more about a pattern: who wins the early midfield collisions.

With Tonali, Guimarães and Joelinton against Caicedo and Fernández, the centre of the pitch could feel like a negotiation. If Newcastle can turn that into a series of duels and second balls, they can force Chelsea to defend facing their own goal—exactly the scenario that brings Elanga and Gordon into play. If Chelsea keep the ball cleanly and use Palmer to receive between the lines, Newcastle’s midfield might be forced into deeper positions, which changes the rhythm of the match and reduces the number of transition chances.

A second “moment” is how Chelsea’s wide players handle the St James’ Park pressure. Neto and Garnacho can turn games with one carry, but wide players also suffer when their first few touches are scruffy and the crowd senses it. If Newcastle’s full-backs and wide forwards can double up at the right times, Chelsea may be forced into less comfortable routes forward. If Chelsea can isolate Newcastle’s full-backs in open space, those duels can become a constant threat.

Then there’s Palmer’s zone. If he can receive and turn, Chelsea’s attack becomes immediately more dangerous because he can thread passes into João Pedro or slide balls into the channels. Newcastle’s response will likely involve one of their midfielders stepping out at the right moment, and the centre-backs being brave enough to hold their line rather than retreat too early. Get that wrong and you’re defending the box with your feet pointing at your own goal. Get it right and you can flip the game with one regain.

Set-piece themes can also quietly shape a match like this, even without needing a single spectacular delivery. The fouls numbers—Newcastle at 11.13 committed per match, Chelsea at 11.88—hint at a contest where stoppages and restarts can build pressure in waves. If one side starts conceding free kicks in their defensive third, you don’t need a scripted routine to feel the tension; you just need repeated balls into areas where defenders have to make decisions under stress.

Finally, keep an eye on game management and second halves. Chelsea’s second-half record and away second-half points-per-game suggest they can finish strongly. Newcastle’s home pattern—unbeaten at half time across 13 recent home games in all competitions—suggests they often keep a foothold in the match early. If that holds true again, we could be set for a second-half contest where the first goal doesn’t settle the game; it simply changes the questions being asked.

What could go wrong with this read? Football has a habit of ignoring neat tactical storyboards. An early mistake, a deflection, or a red-card flashpoint can rip up any plan. Even without extremes, a match can drift into an unexpected pattern: one team unusually passive, the other unusually direct, and the best-laid ideas about control and transitions rendered irrelevant by the simple chaos of a couple of big chances arriving in quick succession.

Best Bet for Sunderland vs Newcastle

Over 2.5 Goals

The statistical profile of this fixture points strongly toward a game rich in goal-scoring opportunities, primarily because St James’ Park has proven to be a reliable environment for high-scoring affairs this season. The most compelling data point supporting this selection is the sheer volume of goals occurring in Newcastle’s home matches. The Magpies are averaging a combined 3.00 match goals per game at home, a figure that suggests the market expectation for three or more goals is well-founded.

Newcastle’s offensive consistency on their own turf is undeniable; they have scored in every single home league game this season and are currently on a streak of finding the net in their last eight home matches. With an expected goals (xG) figure of 1.70 at home, their output is not a fluke but a result of sustained pressure. Conversely, they are conceding 1.25 goals per home match, indicating they rarely keep clean sheets despite their attacking prowess.

Chelsea contributes significantly to this “Over” narrative as well. Their away form is potent, averaging 1.88 goals per match on the road. While their defensive record is respectable, the clash of styles here—Newcastle’s direct, transition-heavy approach versus Chelsea’s desire for control—creates a volatile mix. The data highlights that Newcastle’s midfield trio (Tonali, Guimarães, Joelinton) looks to turn duels into attacks, while Chelsea’s wide players (Neto and Garnacho) are capable of exploiting spaces left by aggressive full-backs.

Furthermore, the historical context supports a high-scoring game, with the average goals across previous meetings sitting at 2.76. Both sides possess xG figures (Newcastle 1.49 overall, Chelsea 1.64 overall) that suggest they consistently create quality chances. When you combine Newcastle’s 2.00 points-per-game home form with Chelsea’s ability to score almost two goals a game away, backing a match with at least three goals is the most logical entry point.

What could go wrong The primary risk to this wager is Chelsea’s ability to successfully “take the air out” of the game. With an average possession of 59% and a defensive record that includes eight clean sheets in 16 league games, Chelsea has the tools to slow the tempo significantly. If the Blues manage to monopolize the ball and pin Newcastle back without over-committing, the match could stagnate into a tactical 1-0 or 1-1 stalemate, falling short of the required goal count.

Correct score lean

Draw 2-2

This scoreline perfectly reflects the statistical deadlock between Newcastle’s home strength and Chelsea’s away efficiency. Newcastle averages 1.75 goals per home game, while Chelsea averages 1.88 goals away; rounding these figures suggests both sides are likely to score twice. Newcastle is unbeaten in their last five home games, showing resilience, while Chelsea’s solid away points-per-game (1.75) suggests they won’t easily be beaten. Given that Newcastle concedes 1.25 at home and Chelsea concedes 1.00 away, neither defence is impenetrable against high-calibre attacks. A high-scoring draw aligns with the narrative of a “contest of instincts” where both teams enjoy spells of dominance.


Selected Bookmakers Offers
Demo Image
Bet £10 Get £40 In Free Bets
New cust. Deposit £10+ in 7 days & bet on sports. Min odds apply. Reward = 4 x £10 Free Bets (2 x £10 Bet Builders & 2 x £10 Sports bet). Valid 7 days. Free bets not valid on e-sports & non UK/IE horse racing. 18+. T&Cs apply.
Demo Image
Bet £10 Get £30 In Free Bets
Open Account Offer - New Customers only. Bet £10 and get £30 in Free Bets when you join bet365. Sign up, deposit between £5 and £10 to your account and bet365 will give you three times that value in Free Bets when you place qualifying bets to the same value settle. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits. Min odds/bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. T&Cs , time limits & exclusions apply. Registration Required. #Ad. 18+ Only, gambleaware.org
Demo Image
Bet £10 Get £30 In Free Bets
18+. Play Safe. From 00:01 on 18.10.2022. £30 bonus. New customers only. Minimum £10 stake on odds of 1/2 (1.5) or greater on sportsbook (excluding Virtual markets). Further terms apply. #Ad. 18+Only, gambleaware.org
Demo Image
Bet £10 Get £50 In Free Bets
New customers only. Register, deposit with Debit Card, and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility exclusions & T&Cs Apply.
Demo Image
Bet £10 Get £30 In Bonuses
New cust only. Opt-in required. Deposit & place a bet within 7 days and settle a £10 minimum bet at odds of 4/5 (1.8) or greater to be credited with 3 x £10 Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Free Bet Builder and 1 x £10 football. Free Bets cannot be used on e-sports and non-UK/IE horse racing. 7 day expiry. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply. Acca Club: Available to new & existing customers. 3 or more selections. Min Odds: 3/10 (1.3) per leg. Max stake: £500. Max Winnings: £200,000 per boost. Profit Boost amounts vary. Horse Racing, Greyhounds & Trotting excluded. Exclusions apply. Full T&C’s apply. 18+ GambleAware.org.
Demo Image
Bet £10 Get £30 In Free Bets
New members only. £10+ bet on sports (ex. Virtuals) 1.5 min odds, settled within 14 days. Free Bets: accept in 7 days, valid 7 days; £20 use on sportsbook, £10 on Bet Builder. Stake not returned. T&Cs.+ deposit exclusions apply #Ad. 18+Only, gambleaware.org
Demo Image
100% up to £50 on first deposit
New bettors. Select bonus at signup or use code SPORT. Wager deposit & bonus 8x. Max qualifying bet = bonus. Valid 60 days. Odds, bet & payment limits apply. T&Cs Apply; 18+ | Please gamble responsibly #Ad. 18+Only, gambleaware.org
Demo Image
Best Odds & Offers
New customers only, 18+. Min deposit £10. Place a £50 bet on any sport at 2.0+ to qualify for £25 in free bets and 10 Free Spins. Free Bets and Spins valid 7 days. £0.10 Free Spins. T&Cs apply. Please bet responsibly. #Ad. 18+Only, gambleaware.org
Demo Image
Bet £10 Get £30 In Free Bets
New members only. £10 min deposit & bet on sportsbook (ex. virtuals), placed & settled at 1.5 min odds in 14 days of sign-up. Win part of E/W bets. Free Bets: accept in 7 days, valid 7 days, use on sportsbook only (ex. virtuals), stakes not returned. T&Cs Apply and deposit exclusions apply. Please gamble responsibly #Ad. 18+Only, gambleaware.org
Demo Image
Bet £10 Get £30 In Free Bets
18+ New customers only. Opt in, and bet £10 on football markets (odds 2.00+). No cash out. Get 6x£5 football free bets at specified odds for set markets, which expire after 7 days. Offer valid from 12:00 UK Time on 25/08/2023. Card payments only. T&Cs Apply | gambleaware.org | Please gamble responsibly #Ad. 18+Only, gambleaware.org

Previous articleRB Leipzig vs Bayer Leverkusen Predictions
Next articleFontenay vs PSG Predictions