Chelsea (H) – Pre-match thoughts, team news, possible XI and prediction

Premier League football returns this weekend and we're back at St James' Park for the second time in four days.

Chelsea come to town in a game that could go a long way towards deciding whether we'll truly 'bounce back' from last Sunday's derby defeat, or continue to stutter in our push towards those European spots.

Heading into the early kick-off, we're sat in 12th and six points behind Chelsea (4th), but the picture could look very different with a win.

Beat the Blues and it would be nine wins from our last 10 in all competitions at home, a return to the top half on 25 points, three behind Chelsea and back within touching distance of those Champions League, with Crystal Palace (5th) currently tied with Man Utd, Liverpool and Sunderland on 26 points.

That is the positive spin and the carrot on offer to Eddie Howe and the squad, but it will require an improvement on our midweek win over Fulham. Wednesday was a vital victory and very much 'job done' to set up a cup semi-final against Man City, although we were passive at times, never hit top gear and didn't create a great deal, meaning we'll have to go up a gear or two to beat a Chelsea side welcoming back Moises Caicedo and Cole Palmer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqKI6mrSZiw&pp=ygUEbnVmYw%3D%3D

Team news

Tino Livramento (knee) has been ruled out for a 'few weeks', but Lewis Hall's (hamstring) absence on Wednesday was more of a fatigue issue, meaning he could be OK to start after a rest.

Nick Pope (groin) has a chance of returning to the squad, but Sven Botman, Dan Burn, Kieran Trippier, Emil Krafth, Jamaal Lascelles and Will Osula remain out.

Lewis Miley is likely to start at right-back once again, although it doesn't sound like Joelinton (groin) is quite ready to come back into Howe's XI based on the boss' pre-match comments.

Yoane Wissa will be boosted from his midweek goal and first start of the season, but I'd expect Nick Woltemade to lead the line in this one after his rest, unless our new No 9 is able to start two games in four days (which I highly doubt).

As for Chelsea, Moises Caicedo is back after serving a three-match ban and Cole Palmer is fit again and fresh from his rest in their 3-1 win over Cardiff on Tuesday, but there'll be no Liam Delap, Estevao, Romeo Lavia or Levi Colwill.

Predicted XI

(4-3-3): Ramsdale – Miley, Thiaw, Schar, Hall – Bruno, Tonali, Ramsey – Murphy, Woltemade, Gordon.

OUT: Livramento, Willock, Barnes, Wissa IN: Hall, Tonali, Gordon, Woltemade.

Tough to say who'll play between Ramsey and Willock, but the former had one of his better games in midweek and may need a run in the side to really show his worth.

Murphy vs Elanga is another debate. Rotation could mean the Swede returns, I just see him getting little change out of Cucurella based on his current confidence levels, coupled with the fact our right side may benefit from some consistency in selection to help Miley settle into that emergency right-back role.

Match prediction

A tricky one to predict here, featuring an inconsistent Newcastle (despite our impressive home record) and a Chelsea side who have won two, drawn two and lost two of their last six games.

I think we'll be 'at it' in many ways and expect us to come out the traps with a bit more intensity. The questions will be can we maintain that, can we stop Palmer, win the battle against Caicedo in midfield and break down a side only second to Arsenal for goals conceded this season?

Hoping for a big win to fire us up the table before Christmas, but I've got a feeling it'll be a high-scoring draw.

Prediction: Newcastle 2-2 Chelsea

Howay the lads!