Chelsea got back to winning ways in the Premier League with a hard-fought victory over Newcastle on Sunday. The Blues managed to shake off last weekend’s narrow defeat at Liverpool thanks to another stellar performance from Cole Palmer, who notched what proved to be the winning goal straight after half-time and also had an early effort disallowed as well as providing a pass of the season contender in the build-up to Nicolas Jackson’s opener on the counter-attack.
The 2-1 triumph at Stamford Bridge was enough to send Chelsea into the top four and above Arsenal ahead of the Gunners hosting Liverpool in a huge showdown between title rivals at the Emirates Stadium. Newcastle, meanwhile, stay down in 12th and are now winless in their last five games in the top-flight, having only scored more than once twice in nine games now this season. Alexander Isak grabbed their equaliser from close range in the first half and should have had another after the interval but was thwarted by Moises Caicedo.
These two sides meet again quickly in the last 16 of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night, with St James’ Park the venue for the immediate rematch. Follow Chelsea vs Newcastle reaction live below!
Chelsea vs Newcastle highlights
- NO PENALTY! Chelsea award overturned late on
- POST! Neto header strikes the woodwork
- GOAL! Palmer scores straight after restart
- GOAL! Isak taps home close-range equaliser
- GOAL! Jackson finishes off great counter-attack
- NO GOAL! Early Palmer effort ruled out
Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
16:03 , George FloodFull-time
A frenetic end to the game, but Chelsea just about hold on for a Cole Palmer-inspired bounce-back victory.
They are up to fourth before Arsenal take on Liverpool in a huge title showdown at the Emirates Stadium.
Another tough afternoon for goal-shy Newcastle, who stay down in 12th and are now winless in five in the Premier League having failed to score more than once again.
Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
16:02 , George Flood98 mins: Another vital block from James to preserve Chelsea’s lead!
Pope is up for the last-gasp Newcastle corner...
Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
15:59 , George Flood94 mins: Sorry, it was six minutes of added time signalled - not four.
Nkunku looks to put this game to bed after dispossessing Bruno Guimaraes, but he’s booked for the challenge instead.
Maresca is furious and also gets a yellow card for his protests.
Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
15:56 , George Flood92 mins: NO PENALTY
Hooper does indeed change his mind after watching it back.
The right call.
Longstaff was booked for protesting there. Osula and Kelly have replaced Joelinton and Hall for Newcastle.
Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
15:5591 mins: Hang on just a moment.
The VAR has had a long look at this and referee Simon Hooper is now being sent to watch the replay on the pitchside monitor.
That did look very soft, it must be said.
Into four minutes of added time.
Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
15:52 , George Flood90 mins: PENALTY TO CHELSEA
Burn drags down Nkunku inside the box.
Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
15:50 , George Flood85 mins: Nothing doing from Isak there as Newcastle struggle to ask many questions of this Chelsea defence late on.
A reminder that they have scored more than one goal just twice in eight games so far this season.
Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
15:47 , George Flood83 mins: Booking number three today for delaying the restart, this time for Chelsea goalkeeper Sanchez - who also fired straight out of play a few minutes ago.
He really does not inspire confidence.
Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
15:45 , George Flood81 mins: Mudryk has done absolutely nothing since coming on but now fires at Pope from inside the box after yet more influential work from Palmer.
Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
15:43 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Malik Ouzia at Stamford Bridge
There’s some sort of medical emergency going on in the crowd just to our right, with first aid staff on the scene but clearly it’s not been seen fit to stop the game.
Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
15:41 , George Flood77 mins: Chelsea are in the wars a bit now with Neto coming off second best against Burn, with Gusto also down.
Gusto is going off anyway, with Cucurella coming on. That’ll be James back to the right.
Jackson is also replaced by Nkunku.
Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
15:40 , George Flood75 mins: That really should have been a second equaliser for Isak as he nudges Fofana out of the way and rounds Sanchez near the byline.
However, he can’t finish it off and Caicedo eventually gets back to snuff out the danger.
Chelsea very fortunate. Fofana is incensed - he wanted a free-kick.
Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
15:37 , George Flood73 mins: After a terrific start to the second half, Chelsea have gone right off the boil in the last 15 minutes or so.
But Newcastle are not asking them enough questions during their lull.
Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
15:35 , George Flood71 mins: Another hopeful Newcastle attack quickly fizzles out, leading to a second Maresca change.
Lavia makes way for Fernandez.
Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
15:34 , George Flood70 mins: Another warning for Chelsea as Willock’s cross is headed down by an unmarked Isak before being scrambled clear by James.
The Blues need to switch on at the back here with plenty of time left for another Newcastle equaliser.
Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
15:31 , George Flood67 mins: Schar whips the free-kick onto the roof of the net.
Madueke is heading off for Chelsea after that caution, with Mudryk coming on.
Willock, Murphy and Longstaff replace Barnes, Almiron and Tonali for Newcastle.
Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
15:29 , George Flood66 mins: Newcastle are preparing a triple substitution, but first they have a free-kick in a very dangerous position after Madueke is booked for dragging down Hall.
A Chelsea change is also imminent.
Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
15:29 , George FloodA 19th goal in his last 15 Stamford Bridge appearances for Cole Palmer...
🎙️ "Irresistible and seemingly UNSTOPPABLE."
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 27, 2024
Cole Palmer puts Chelsea back in front 🔵 pic.twitter.com/Y9YwSK99Nd
Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
15:27 , George Flood63 mins: Chelsea’s defence are suddenly stretched but Barnes can’t get a shot away.
Tonali and Lavia have both been booked for delaying the restart in the last few minutes.
Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
15:26 , George Flood61 mins: The game has entered a bit of a lull just past the hour mark with both sides struggling to keep possession and no further chances to speak of.
Eddie Howe is preparing some changes in the Newcastle dugout.
Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
15:23 , George Flood59 mins: Neto runs at Livramento again before delivering a fine left-wing cross that Gusto heads wide.
Did Hall get the last touch on that? The home fans certainly think so.
Neto vs Livramento has been a great watch this afternoon.
Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
15:21 , George Flood56 mins: A danger moment for Chelsea as Isak’s chipped ball from the byline is guided away from goal by the head of James.
Alert defending from the fit-again Blues skipper.
Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
15:1752 mins: Gusto blazes well off target but Chelsea are full of attacking intent early in this second half.
Newcastle back to looking like a nervy mess at the back.
Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
15:1550 mins: Woodwork!
So close to 3-1 as Neto gets up above Livramento before crashing a header off the post.
Newcastle are still in the changing rooms...
Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
15:14Standard Sport’s Malik Ouzia at Stamford Bridge
A terrific start to the second half for Chelsea.
Easy to get swept away in the Cole Palmer hype with the superlatives but Nick Pope has to be saving that.
GOAL! Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle | Cole Palmer 47'
15:10 , George Flood47 mins: How about that for a stunning start to the second half!
Isak is dispossessed all too cheaply on halfway and Palmer is immediately off to the races, allowed way too much space to drift into the box and lash a low shot beyond Pope at his near post.
The Newcastle ‘keeper should have done much, much better with that.
A seventh goal of the season for Palmer. Chelsea back in front after just 75 seconds of this second half.
Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle
15:06 , George FloodNicolas Jackson is fast becoming a real asset for Chelsea...
5 - In terms of appearances, Nicolas Jackson is the fifth-quickest player to reach 20 goals in the Premier League for Chelsea (one fewer than Hernán Crespo):
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) October 27, 2024
26 - Diego Costa
27 - Cole Palmer
33 - JF Hasselbaink
37 - Mark Stein
44 - Nicolas Jackson
Developing. pic.twitter.com/8JbRb7QEff
Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle
15:05 , George FloodOnly Alexander Isak’s second goal of the season to draw Newcastle level...
Alexander Isak equalises for Newcastle at Stamford Bridge! ⚖️ pic.twitter.com/1FhSPJVV0z
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 27, 2024
Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle
15:02 , George FloodThat Palmer pass is just utterly outrageous.
What a player.
Palmer 🔗 Neto 🔗Jackson pic.twitter.com/Yd430Uh88Y
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 27, 2024
Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle
14:58 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Malik Ouzia at Stamford Bridge
Another very fiery, very entertaining game. I just wonder whether Chelsea are playing in a few too many of those at the moment. At 1-0 they were well on top but go in level.
Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle
14:55 , George FloodHalf-time
All square at the break after an entertaining first period at Stamford Bridge.
Nicolas Jackson gave Chelsea a deserved 18th-minute lead after Cole Palmer’s early effort was ruled out for offside, putting the finishes touches on a blistering counter-attack.
But they’ve been fairly profligate otherwise and were made to pay when Alexander Isak ended his scoring drought with a close-range tap-in.
All to play for after the interval.
Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle
14:53 , George Flood52 mins: Gusto’s challenge on Barnes sends the Newcastle man colliding into Caicedo.
The Magpies have the free-kick for that initial foul and a chance to deliver into the box just before half-time.
Burn’s header from Hall’s centre is easily gathered by Sanchez.
That should do it for this lengthy first half.
Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle
14:51 , George Flood51 mins: A painful one for Isak there but he’ll be okay to continue.
Chelsea caught offside as they push forward once again in search of a late first-half goal.
Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle
14:48 , George Flood48 mins: Corner after corner as Chelsea pile on the pressure in first-half stoppage time.
Pope shovels one behind rather unconvincingly before doing well to catch the second under pressure from Fofana.
Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle
14:47 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Malik Ouzia at Stamford Bridge
There’s another example. Blatant dive by Pedro Neto - Chelsea fans are furious they haven’t got a free-kick, the Newcastle bench can’t understand why he hasn’t been booked.
Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle
14:47 , George Flood47 mins: Gusto’s lofted cross to the back post on the overlap is missed by Pope before bouncing behind off an unsuspecting Livramento.
Schar quickly heads behind for yet another Blues corner.
Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle
14:46 , George Flood45 mins: Seven minutes of added time have been signalled at the end of this first half.
Been plenty of stoppages with knocks and VAR checks, but that still seems a bit excessive.
Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle
14:45 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Malik Ouzia at Stamford Bridge
I’d say Simon Hooper is well and truly in annoying both sets of fans territory here.
Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle
14:44 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Malik Ouzia at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea’s set-pieces have all been much too flighty.
I think that was the third corner Nick Pope’s been able to come and punch clear.
Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle
14:43 , George Flood43 mins: Burn gets away with one there as he drags back Madueke as the Chelsea winger looked to get on the end of a lofted ball forward.
Referee’s call with the VAR not intervening.
Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle
14:43 , George Flood42 mins: An awkward save for Pope to make there after Neto’s effort from outside the box is deflected by Bruno Guimaraes.
Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle
14:40 , George Flood40 mins: Livramento blocks behind Neto’s effort after fine work from Palmer again and Madueke cutting inside off the Chelsea right.
Burn heads away Neto’s low cross as the Blues keep the pressure on following their latest corner.
Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle
14:38 , George Flood35 mins: Miles off target with a wild slash from Caicedo from outside the box as Chelsea quickly go about trying to restore their advantage.
Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle
14:36Standard Sport’s Malik Ouzia at Stamford Bridge
Newcastle hit back. Chelsea had looked the more threatening team, but you never really sense they’re in control of games.
Their speed in transition is their biggest weapon, but perhaps they need to pick their moments a little better.
GOAL! Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle | Alexander Isak 32'
14:31 , George Flood32 mins: They won’t be cheering that one!
Isak taps home inside the six-yard box after an incisive Newcastle move that owed much to Livramento moving through the middle.
He finds Barnes and then Hall is picked out on the overlap before a low cross is turned in.
The goal eventually stands after a long VAR check for offside.
Game on!
Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle
14:31 , George Flood30 mins: Palmer concedes a corner and a delivery to the front post is headed high and wide by Isak, to ironic cheers from the home fans.
Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle
14:30 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Malik Ouzia at Stamford Bridge
Robert Sanchez’s distribution has been really poor so far and given his iffy form in the last few weeks, you can sense a real unease around the ground whenever he has the ball at his feet.
Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle
14:29 , George Flood28 mins: A tricky corner for Pope to deal with as he palms high into the air off the line before James gives up a pressure-relieving foul on Bruno Guimaraes.
Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle
14:28 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Malik Ouzia at Stamford Bridge
I was disappointed with Pedro Neto in midweek when it felt he had a real chance to stake a claim for a weekend start.
He’s got one anyway, though, and this time is taking advantage of it. He’s been a constant threat.
Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle
14:28 , George Flood27 mins: Signs of life from Newcastle at last with Barnes, Almiron and Tonali all trying to ask questions of Sanchez.
Isak did well to stay onside there. A few good blocks from Chelsea, who are quickly down the other end to force another corner on the break.
Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle
14:26 , George Flood26 mins: Neto gets the better of another former Chelsea full-back in Livramento by the byline and his cross just evades the head of Madueke before a sliding Gusto can’t make a proper connection.
Pope gratefully gathers.
Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle
14:25 , George Flood25 mins: Chelsea are finding pockets of space all over the pitch and Newcastle cannot escape their own half.
Gusto’s effort from the edge of the box is blocked as the Blues move the ball patiently from right to left in search of another opening.
Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle
14:23 , George Flood22 mins: Newcastle are all over the place in defence at the minute as Neto is the latest player to test Pope.
Schar has also been booked for taking down Palmer.
Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle
14:22Standard Sport’s Malik Ouzia at Stamford Bridge
Pace and the quality to exploit it. Not a great deal you can do about that if you’re Newcastle I’m afraid.
Sensational from Palmer, Neto wasn’t for catching and Jackson’s finish was clinical.
GOAL! Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle | Nicolas Jackson 18'
14:18 , George Flood18 mins: No doubt about that one!
What a glorious pass from Palmer to release Neto, who rides the sliding challenge of Schar down the right before squaring for Jackson to sidefoot home in the middle.
An absolutely devastating counter-attack from Chelsea.
A sixth Premier League goal of the season for Jackson as his resurgence continues.
Chelsea 0-0 Newcastle
14:18 , George Flood15 mins: Colwill cuts down Bruno Guimaraes and then immediately signals to the referee that it was outside the box.
Replays show that was indeed the case, meaning VAR cannot get involved retrospectively.
Colwill is a lucky man there.
Chelsea 0-0 Newcastle
14:15 , George Flood13 mins: Fofana is back on for Chelsea but not moving well at all at the moment.
Colwill defends diligently to concede a corner at one end before Chelsea quickly force one at the other end and Neto’s volley is blocked.
Chelsea 0-0 Newcastle
14:14 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Malik Ouzia at Stamford Bridge
Problems here for Chelsea, with Wesley Fofana down.
It was poor play from Lavia that put his centre-back in an awkward position.
Interestingly, Maresca’s first motion there was for Renato Veiga to warm up.
Tosin Adarabioyo has now gone and joined him.
Chelsea 0-0 Newcastle
14:12 , George Flood11 min: Fofana goes off but will come back on following treatment. He’s already wearing a brace on that left knee.
He’s also been booked by referee Simon Hooper for a poor challenge on Joelinton.
Chelsea 0-0 Newcastle
14:11 , George Flood9 mins: First signs of attacking intent for Newcastle as Bruno Guimaraes’ deflected shot is prevented from heading out for a corner by Sanchez.
An injury worry now for Chelsea with Fofana down and in need of treatment.
Hopefully not another setback for the French defender.
Chelsea 0-0 Newcastle
14:08 , George Flood7 mins: Pope comes racing out of his box to clear and thwart Jackson.
He had to get that right...
Chelsea 0-0 Newcastle
14:07 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Malik Ouzia at Stamford Bridge
Newcastle escape but already Cole Palmer’s influence on this game is growing.
He was marked out of the game at Anfield last Sunday but looks up for this.
Chelsea 0-0 Newcastle
14:06 , George Flood5 mins: NO GOAL
Palmer was indeed fractionally offside and the early goal won’t stand.
A huge let-off for Newcastle, who have started this game in very nervous fashion.
Chelsea 0-0 Newcastle
14:05 , George Flood4 mins: Palmer finishes low past Pope after a fine through pass from Jackson, but was Palmer’s knee just offside there?
It’s going to VAR...
Chelsea 0-0 Newcastle
14:04 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Malik Ouzia at Stamford Bridge
An Enzo Maresca curveball here - Reece James has started at left-back, with Malo Gusto in his preferred position on the right.
Chelsea 0-0 Newcastle
14:043 mins: Madueke cuts inside and shoots low at Pope after Jackson gets the better of Burn and surges through the middle.
Chelsea looking in the mood early on here...
Chelsea 0-0 Newcastle
14:022 mins: Early joy for Madueke down the Chelsea right as he runs at former Blues youngster Hall before delivering a low cross that is well anticipated by Pope.
It looks like Reece James is playing at left-back this afternoon, by the way.
Malo Gusto on the right of defence.
Chelsea vs Newcastle
14:00 , George FloodUnderway at Stamford Bridge!
Can Chelsea get back to winning ways in the Premier League after their loss at Anfield, or will goal-shy Newcastle break out from their recent funk despite the shock absence of Anthony Gordon?
Time to find out. Only two points separating these sides in seventh and 12th, but this is not a happy hunting ground for the Toon.
Kick-off coming up
13:55 , George FloodFinal preparations at Stamford Bridge! Kick-off is just over five minutes away.
Gianfranco Zola and Tore Andre Flo are among the special guests in west London this afternoon.
Chelsea showcase strength in depth once again
13:46 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Malik Ouzia at Stamford Bridge
It says something about the depth of Chelsea’s squad that seven players who featured for them in Greece on Thursday night do not even make the matchday squad here.
Newcastle, meanwhile, have two goalkeepers on the bench.
Enzo Maresca praises Nicolas Jackson: He's showing everything
13:40 , George FloodEnzo Maresca full of praise for Nicolas Jackson ahead of kick-off at Stamford Bridge...
🗣️ "He's showing everything"
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 27, 2024
Enzo Maresca on how Nicolas Jackson is stepping up for Chelsea 👏 pic.twitter.com/h3kFWoc4JO
Youthful Chelsea in Premier League first under Enzo Maresca
13:30 , George FloodQuite a Chelsea stat this from Sky Sports...
Chelsea are the first team in Premier League history not to use a player age 28 or older in their first eight games of a season 📊 pic.twitter.com/xFYY1AonsI
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 27, 2024
Eddie Howe explains shock Anthony Gordon absence
13:25 , George FloodAnthony Gordon is a huge loss for a Newcastle side who have not scored in back-to-back matches now and netted more than one goal just twice in eight games so far this term.
“He just felt his groin yesterday in training so he travelled with us with the hope that he’d make the game, but he hasn’t and Harvey comes in,” Eddie Howe has explained to Sky Sports.
“It’s an undoubted blow for us because he’s got pace and he’s an outstanding player.
“But Harvey comes in and Harvey has been excellent for us this season, so Harvey brings his own qualities. I still like the team we have.”
Pedro Neto gets chance to kick-start Chelsea career
13:16 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Malik Ouzia offers his pre-match thoughts from Stamford Bridge as Pedro Neto, who has flattered to deceive somewhat since his £54million summer move from Wolves, gets another chance to kick-start his Chelsea career.
🗣️ "Another opportunity for Pedro Neto to kick-start his Chelsea career."@MalikOuzia_ reacts to that team news from Stamford Bridge
— Standard Sport (@standardsport) October 27, 2024
LIVE: https://t.co/uoBjJ56x5h#CHENEW pic.twitter.com/AVLDH7dKFc
No Anthony Gordon for Newcastle in shock
13:05For Newcastle, Anthony Gordon is a major surprise loss with what Newcastle have described as a groin injury.
Miguel Almiron takes his place in attack, with Eddie Howe’s only other change from last weekend’s home defeat by Brighton seeing Jacob Murphy make way for Harvey Barnes.
The Magpies have two goalkeepers on the bench in Odysseas Vlachodimos and John Ruddy.
Wesley Fofana and Pedro Neto come in for Chelsea
13:01 , George FloodSo the headline team news from a Chelsea perspective is Pedro Neto getting the nod ahead of Jadon Sancho in attack.
The only other change from last weekend’s 2-1 loss at Liverpool is in defence, where Wesley Fofana replaces Tosin Adarabioyo having served his one-match suspension.
Malo Gusto keeps his place at left-back ahead of Marc Cucurella despite the latter’s return from his own ban, with Mykhailo Mudryk back in the squad after his fine display in Greece.
Filip Jorgensen is also back on the bench at the expense of Marcus Bettinelli, but there’s no Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Axel Disasi or Benoit Badiashile.
Newcastle lineup
12:50 , George FloodNewcastle XI: Pope, Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall, Bruno Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton, Barnes, Almiron, Isak
Subs: Vlachodimos, Willock, Ruddy, Osula, Miley, Kelly, Krafth, Murphy, Longstaff
Chelsea lineup
12:48 , George FloodChelsea XI: Sanchez, James, Fofana, Colwill, Gusto, Lavia, Caicedo, Madueke, Palmer, Neto, Jackson
Subs: Jorgensen, Tosin, Veiga, Cucurella, Fernandez, Mudryk, Joao Felix, Nkunku
Jadon Sancho under pressure as rivals state starting case
12:39 , George FloodJadon Sancho made a terrific start to his loan spell from Manchester United, but his performances have been on the wane a little of late and, having been taken off at half-time against Liverpool last weekend, he appears under growing pressure for his starting spot at Chelsea with Mykhailo Mudryk once again hinting at a potential turning point with a goal and two assists in the Conference League on Thursday night.
Summer signing Pedro Neto is another option, while Joao Felix and Christopher Nkunku offer a more direct goal threat if Enzo Maresca fancies something of a shake-up in the final third.
Here’s more from Standard Sport’s Malik Ouzia on the battle for Chelsea’s left-wing role
Eddie Howe responds to Alexander Isak contract claims
12:28 , George FloodIt has been another week filled with speculation over the future of Newcastle’s star striker Alexander Isak, whom some reports have suggested is stalling on a new deal at St James’ Park amid long-term transfer interest from Arsenal.
However, the Swedish international remains under contract in the North East until the summer of 2028 and Magpies boss Eddie Howe appears unconcerned about his situation at the moment.
"We have to be really careful regarding our spending due to PSR, so I think it's not a clear-cut situation,” he said on Friday.
"We, of course, love him, are desperate for him to stay and stay at Newcastle for many years and score loads and loads of goals for us.
“But I don't see a short-term issue with his contract."
How will Chelsea line up against Newcastle?
12:17 , George FloodWe’re not too far away now from the official team sheets at Stamford Bridge, but here’s how Standard Sport’s Malik Ouzia sees Chelsea lining up this afternoon.
This would be 11 changes from the Conference League and a return to almost the same team that started at Anfield last weekend, but with Wesley Fofana replacing Tosin Adarabioyo in central defence.
It would mean Malo Gusto keeping his place at left-back ahead of Marc Cucurella and Romeo Lavia again picked instead of Enzo Fernandez in midfield, with Jadon Sancho keeping his spot on the left flank.
Predicted Chelsea XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Fofana, Colwill, Gusto; Caicedo, Lavia; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson
Enzo Maresca: Chelsea do not have a 'proper leader'
12:10 , George FloodHere’s more from Enzo Maresca on Reece James and his admission that he does not believe that this current Chelsea squad contains what he calls a “proper leader”.
The manager said: “He's understanding that we're expecting more from him.
"He's our guy from the academy. It's one of the reasons why he has to show more in terms of personality.
"He's a reserved guy. But when you don't have a proper leader, you need to build that. I think we don't have a proper leader.
“We need to build them. Reece is one who is on the way but he's not there. He needs to make an effort.
"The one that is doing fantastic is Levi (Colwill). At the beginning he was not a leader but now you can see he's one of the guys that's always speaking.
“Marc Cucurella is one of the guys, but we need more and more.
"It's something that comes with age.
“In two, three years some of them will be better at that. We have to help them understand the leadership side."
Enzo Maresca demands 'more leadership' from Reece James
12:05Though his long-awaited return to training during the international break was obviously known, it was still a surprise to see Reece James in from the start against Liverpool in his first appearance of the season last week.
He did not make the trip to Greece on Thursday and should be back in Enzo Maresca’s XI this afternoon.
However, the Italian admitted that he has told his captain that he needs more leadership from him behind the scenes.
"I spoke with him and I expect from him more in terms of leadership inside the changing room," said Maresca.
"He's on the way, he's doing well, he's progressing but I expect more.
"Most of the time, a player thinks that because I am captain I expect that you give me more.
“No, for me because you are the captain you have to give more. You have to give more than the rest. Sometimes, I am the captain I can give less? No, no, no.
"I expect it from Reece and his team-mates expect it from him to give always more in terms of leadership."
It’s a lovely day for football in west London, with bright blue skies bathing Stamford Bridge in sunshine.
Perfect conditions!
Chelsea vs Newcastle prediction
11:49 , George FloodWhile midweek European action won’t have helped the Blues, they look well-placed to claim an important victory against a team struggling for goals this season.
Chelsea to win, 2-1.
Early Newcastle team news: No Wilson again after setback
11:46 , George FloodThere will be no Callum Wilson once again for Newcastle today after the England striker experienced another setback in his recovery from an injury that has prevented him from playing at all so far this season.
Wilson has been struggling with back and hamstring issues and reports claim muscle tightness will see him miss today’s game plus Wednesday’s quick reunion with Chelsea in the last 16 of the Carabao Cup and next weekend’s visit of Arsenal to Tyneside.
Defenders Jamaal Lascelles, Sven Botman and Kieran Trippier are all still sidelined for Newcastle, along with back-up goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.
However, star forward Alexander Isak returned from injury last week and Dan Burn has also shaken off a knock.
Early Chelsea team news: Cucurella and Fofana back from bans
11:40 , George FloodChelsea will get a huge double boost in defence this afternoon with both Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana available again after each serving automatic one-match bans against Liverpool for collecting five yellow cards already this season.
However, it is worth noting that Cucurella played the full game against Panathinaikos on Thursday, suggesting that Malo Gusto may retain his spot at left-back.
Fit-again captain Reece James returned against Liverpool and was then rested in midweek, so should start again today.
Enzo Fernandez will hope to replace Romeo Lavia in Chelsea’s midfield, while the likes of Mykhailo Mudryk and Pedro Neto are putting pressure on Jadon Sancho’s starting job on the left flank.
Maresca could once again change his entire starting XI today after making wholesale changes in Greece.
How to watch Chelsea vs Newcastle
11:36TV channel: Today’s game will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Ultra HDR, with coverage beginning at 1pm GMT.
Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers can also watch the match live online this afternoon via the Sky Go app.
Chelsea vs Newcastle live
11:33 , George FloodHello and welcome to Standard Sport’s live coverage of Chelsea vs Newcastle.
It’s back to Premier League business in west London for the Blues today after their second string demolished Panathinaikos in the Conference League on Thursday, with Enzo Maresca’s side looking to regather their momentum after a narrow loss at Liverpool last weekend.
They will be favourites to overcome a struggling Newcastle side who sit down in 12th after no wins from their last four top-flight matches and have found goals extremely hard to come by of late.
Kick-off on Sunday is at 2pm GMT, so stay tuned for all the latest match build-up, latest team news and live updates - including expert analysis from Standard Sport’s Malik Ouzia at Stamford Bridge.
