Newcastle United vs Chelsea
live stream Newcastle United vs Chelsea
Click below to watch the game live
The EFL Cup fourth-round tie at St James' Park promises to be an exciting event between Newcastle United and Chelsea, barely a week after their last battle in the Premier League. These two teams are right now going through opposite trajectories, with Chelsea having a streak of positive results and Newcastle United in search of the much-needed consistency throughout the season. Herein lies a detailed look at the form, team news, tactics, and predictions for the highly awaited match.
Match Overview
Newcastle United welcome Chelsea to St. James' Park in an EFL Cup fourth-round tie with the chance for revenge on a 2-1 loss in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea have become a much better side under Enzo Maresca, but Newcastle - led by Eddie Howe - are desperate to snap a winless recent stretch. This cup match could be just the morale-booster Newcastle has been searching for, while Chelsea looks to build momentum for an extended cup run to go along with their blistering league form.
Date: October 30, 2024
Kickoff: 19:45 UTC
Venue: St James' Park, Newcastle
Team Form and Performance Insights
Newcastle United's Form:
Newcastle launched into the new Premier League season with optimism but have stumbled of late. The Magpies started the season unbeaten in four matches but are now without a win in five league outings, sliding down the table to leave question marks over their hopes of challenging for a Champions League place-one of the key objectives of the Saudi-backed club.
Newcastle has been resilient in the EFL Cup, beating Nottingham Forest on penalties and narrowly winning against AFC Wimbledon. Given how the campaign is shaping up in the league, Eddie Howe's side would consider the EFL Cup to end their agonizing drought of titles since 1955.
- Last 5 matches (all competitions): LDWDLL
Chelsea's Form:
Chelsea, on the other hand, have regained their form. Fifth in the Premier League, they are only a few points away from Champions League places. Changes in system and personnel by Enzo Maresca were important for Chelsea's improvement as young talents like Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson turned into mainstays. The last league win for them, a 2-1 victory over Newcastle, spoke volumes about the newly found confidence and coherence within the team.
- Last 5 matches (all competitions): WWDLWW
Tactical Analysis and Key Players
Newcastle United
Eddie Howe will most probably be conservative, defending well and looking to counter-attack with pace. Without star winger Anthony Gordon, who is a doubt with a groin injury, Newcastle options in the attack may be limited. If Gordon does not play, then Will Osula or Jacob Murphy may start, while Alexander Isak-who has not scored in his last few games-may be Newcastle's key goal threat.
Injuries, including in defense, to Kieran Trippier, Sven Botman, and Jamaal Lascelles, make Newcastle somewhat susceptible in the backline and at the mercy of Chelsea, hence perhaps giving an edge against them. That kind of tactical flexibility is what Howe will have to employ, especially if he has to go ultra-conservative and park the bus to stave off Chelsea's attack.
- Key Players: Alexander Isak, Fabian Schar, and Bruno Guimaraes
Chelsea
Chelsea's attack has shone bright with Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson, securing their goals at important moments in the game. Enzo Maresca will most probably make a number of changes in the lineup from that which faced the Premier League match, introducing Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Joao Felix, and the rest of the players who shone during their recent Conference League match. With depth in both attack and midfield, Chelsea will look to dominate in terms of possession and exploit Newcastle's weakened defense.
Maresca might enforce high pressing and ball retention in order to ensure Chelsea does not give Newcastle much in the way of counterattacking opportunities. This could work to Chelsea's advantage in midfield if they can keep their recent form going while ramping up the pressure on the Magpies' back line.
- Key Players: Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson, Joao Felix, and Moises Caicedo
Head-to-Head Statistics
- Recent Matches: In their last five encounters, Chelsea has won three times, Newcastle once, and one match ended in a draw.
- Goals Scored: These meetings average 2.6 goals per match, suggesting a competitive yet often open contest between the two teams.
- Last Meeting: October 27, 2024, in the Premier League – Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle at Stamford Bridge, with goals from Jackson and Palmer securing the win for Chelsea.
Predicted Lineups
Newcastle United
Formation: 4-3-3
- Goalkeeper: Odysseas Vlachodimos
- Defense: Livramento, Krafth, Schar, Burn
- Midfield: Longstaff, Guimaraes, Anderson
- Attack: Murphy, Isak, Osula
Chelsea
Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Goalkeeper: Robert Sanchez
- Defense: Gusto, Disasi, Colwill, Cucurella
- Midfield: Caicedo, Dewsbury-Hall
- Attack: Palmer, Felix, Madueke
- Forward: Jackson
Match Prediction
Chelsea enters this game as the favorite, backed by their superior form and depth in the squad. The weakened Newcastle defense and attacking options due to injuries may find it tough against Chelsea's dynamic forward line. Chelsea's tactical cohesiveness under Maresca has also given them an upper hand in terms of ball control and adaptability.
Score Prediction: Newcastle United 1-3 Chelsea
Chelsea’s high-intensity style, combined with Newcastle’s defensive vulnerabilities, points toward a win for the visitors. Expect Palmer and Jackson to influence the outcome heavily, with Chelsea likely controlling much of the match.
Betting Tips and Odds
- Both Teams to Score (BTTS): Yes – Chelsea’s defense has been vulnerable at times, and Newcastle will aim to strike on the counter.
- Over 2.5 Goals: Chelsea’s attacking form makes a high-scoring game probable.
- Anytime Goal Scorer: Cole Palmer – His recent performances indicate that he’s in fine goal-scoring form.
Conclusion
This Newcastle United versus Chelsea EFL Cup match is going to be a mouth-watering match, as both sides are ready for the quarter-finals. To Newcastle United, the game can be an avenue to break away from their recent league struggles and give them that morale-boosting win. A win for Chelsea will continue their good season and push it even closer to a possible cup triumph.
While Newcastle have home advantage, Chelsea's quality, form, and depth under Maresca make them the likelier team to progress. As the teams take to the pitch at St James' Park, all eyes will be on Palmer, Jackson, and the impressive Newcastle fanbase-its consistent support could make a huge difference in this match of high stakes.
This game promises to be one full of much intensity and, definitely, a lot of action, with Chelsea's razor-sharp attack possibly being a mouthful for Newcastle's injury-hit defense. With much determination in both teams and lots of passion, this tie in the EFL Cup will be one that no football enthusiast would ever wish to miss out on.