Overview

• Newcastle and Chelsea are tied on points as they battle for a top-five Premier League finish, crucial for Champions League qualification.
• Key absences include Joelinton, Lewis Hall, and Matt Targett for Newcastle, while Chelsea are without Wesley Fofana, Christopher Nkunku, and Mykhailo Mudryk.
• Newcastle aim to secure their eighth win in ten league games, while Chelsea look to continue their late-season revival fueled by recent victories over Everton and Liverpool.
• Kieran Trippier and Fabian Schär are expected to recover for Newcastle, while Roméo Lavia's return bolsters Chelsea's midfield options.
• Champions League qualification would significantly impact both clubs' summer transfer budgets and long-term squad planning.