Chelsea welcome Newcastle United to SW6 for the 5:30 kick off on Saturday, the first televised game of the weekend. But what can we expect from the Geordie outfit?
On Saturday evening, Chelsea will return to domestic action as they face Newcastle United for the Premier League's teatime kick off on match day 30 of the season.
Although the mood is down after the midweek defeat away to PSG, the good thing about football is there is always a game around the corner to try and put things right, and the visit of Newcastle allows that.
So, what can we expect from the Geordies?
Like the Blues, Eddie Howe's side were in UEFA Champions League action this week, as they drew 1-1 at home to Barcelona. They were very unlucky not to come away with a win, as Lamine Yamal scored a penalty with the very last kick of the game.
That said, Newcastle are not having a great season domestically. They sit 12th in the Premier League, one place and one point below rivals and newly promoted side Sunderland.
Much like in the 23/24 season, they have struggled to balance playing in the Champions League. The congestion has been tighter this season too - they have already played nine games in Europe, and will play at least ten in total. Last time, they played six games, all before Christmas.
In terms of dangermen, Chelsea fans will be very familiar with left-back Lewis Hall, who has managed to shake off injury struggles to be very consistent this season, with many fans calling for him to start for England at the World Cup this summer.
It is a big boost for Liam Rosenior that the visitors will be without key man Bruno Guimaraes this weekend. Not only is the Brazilian midfielder their most creative player, but he is also their top scorer in the league this season, with nine goals, and their top creator too, with four assists.
Winger Harvey Barnes has scored 14 goals in all competitions this season, and found the net against Barcelona in midweek. He can play on either flank and it goes without saying that the team will need to be wary of him.
Summer signing Nick Woltemade has struggled for form in 2026, but he did score two goals against Chelsea in the reverse fixture back in December. He has played more as a number ten of late, but could be deployed up front in this one.
Anthony Gordon was only well enough to come on as a sub in midweek, so although there is a good chance Newcastle rotate ahead of their second leg, the England forward could come back into the team to get his match sharpness up.
Although he has been struggling for open play goals of late, he can often be a handful for opposition defenders and scored in consecutive games against Chelsea back in 2023.
It will certainly be an interesting game, with at least some rotation almost guaranteed for both sides. Another big game in terms of the teams chances of securing a top 5 finish.