Chelsea enter the weekend riding high after a statement 3-1 win over Liverpool and a midweek victory that secured yet another European final appearance. With Champions League qualification on the line, their Sunday clash with Newcastle United is shaping up to be one of the most decisive fixtures of the season.
Eddie Howe’s Newcastle side are also vying for a top-four finish, and with both teams level on points, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Kick-off is set for 12pm at St James’ Park and the outcome could go a long way toward deciding who plays Champions League football next season. Read on for full preview, odds guide and betting tips.
Match Odds
Thanks to home advantage, Newcastle are slight favourites with the leading British-based bookies, priced at 6/5. Chelsea are available at 21/10 for an away win, while the draw is listed at 14/5.
Both clubs have 63 points and an identical goal difference of +21. Newcastle sit in fourth place by virtue of having scored more goals. The form book is just as tight: Chelsea have taken 14 points from their last six league games, with Newcastle close behind on 13.
Key Player Markets
In the first goalscorer market, Newcastle’s Alexander Isak leads at 9/2, followed by Callum Wilson at 5/1. Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, who netted a penalty last weekend, is priced at 13/2.
Other notable picks include:
- Harvey Barnes (Newcastle) – 8/1
- Nicolas Jackson (Chelsea) – 17/2
- Anthony Gordon (Newcastle) – 15/2
- Christopher Nkunku (Chelsea) – 19/2
Barnes’ return to form has relegated Gordon to the bench recently, but both remain capable of making an impact.
Popular Side Markets
- Both Teams to Score (BTTS):
- Yes – 1/2
- No – 7/4
- Total Goals:
- Over 2.5 goals – 4/7
- Over 3.5 goals – 13/10
- Under 2.5 goals – 6/4
- Correct Score Suggestions:
- Newcastle 2-1 Chelsea – 9/1
- Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle – 12/1
- 2-2 Draw – 11/1
NUFC vs CFC Betting Tips Verdict For This EPL Match Preview
While the draw looks tempting as one of the betting tips for this match preview, given how evenly matched these teams are, both sides know that a single point might not be enough with Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa still in the mix.
Newcastle benefit from a full week of rest, while Chelsea had Europa Conference League duty on Thursday. However, their 1-0 win over Djurgardens wasn’t overly demanding and the Blues arrive with momentum and confidence after dispatching the league champions last weekend.
Chelsea look sharper and more dynamic at the moment, and with Cole Palmer showing signs of resurgence, he could play a pivotal role again, perhaps even worth backing in the anytime goalscorer market at 9/5.
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Matt Harris is a football & golf writer for Just Bookies. Other sports in his portfolio of specialities include cricket. Matt has contributed to innumerable large organisations and media brands. These include: Betfair, BetVictor, USA Betting & Unibet. 