Big Match Breakdown: Newcastle United v Chelsea

Blues victory could mean a top-four berth

The battle for a Premier League top-four spot is going down to the wire. Chelsea need to hope Liverpool slip up against Brighton & Hove Albion, and guarantee they take maximum points at Newcastle United.

But there’s pride on the line for the Magpies. They’re currently in 10^th place, but there are still five clubs who could potentially leapfrog them on the final day.

Add in the fact Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez lifted the Europa League as Chelsea boss, and there’s plenty of interesting subplots here.

The Coral News Team have all the need-to-know info ahead of kick-off, with another Big Match Breakdown…

Head-to-Head

Historically, Chelsea have had the upper hand with 71 victories to the Tynesiders’ 52.

The West London outfit have won four and drawn one of the last five meetings. However, all of those victories came at Stamford Bridge.

Their record at St James’ Park is far less enviable. In fact, the Blues haven’t won in this part of the North-East since December 2011.

Likely XIs

With a potential Champions League spot on the line, Chelsea are unlikely to rest men ahead of next weekend’s FA Cup final.

However, Antonio Rudiger is one booking away from a suspension and is unlikely to be risked. Andreas Christensen is the likely replacement for the German. Up front, the in-form Olivier Giroud is likely to partner Eden Hazard.

The hosts’ best opportunities in this game could well come on the counter-attack, so they’re likely to go with pace. That could see all of Mikel Merino and Jacob Murphy feature in midfield. However, Chelsea loanee Kenedy is unavailable.