Twelfth-placed Newcastle eyeing lift as Chelsea visits.

Newcastle United vs. Chelsea begins at 12:30 [GMT] on Saturday, December 20, at St James’ Park.

Newcastle United host Chelsea at St James’ Park in a fixture that has historically favoured the home side and arrives with both teams showing contrasting strengths as the season reaches a critical point. Recent meetings on Tyneside have gone Newcastle’s way. The Magpies have won their last three Premier League home games against Chelsea, their best such run since a four-game streak between 1994 and 1998. This fixture is one of the strongest examples of home advantage in Premier League history. Of the 60 league meetings between the sides, 37 have been won by the home team — more than any other fixture in the competition. That pattern adds extra weight to Newcastle’s confidence heading into the match, particularly given their scoring consistency at St James’ Park. Eddie Howe’s side have scored exactly two goals in each of their last five Premier League home games and average precisely two goals per match at home under his management, a record they would be keen to extend on Saturday. However, Newcastle’s defensive form is a concern. They have conceded in each of their last nine Premier League games and are one match away from their longest run without a clean sheet under Howe. Their attacking numbers have also dipped, averaging their fewest shots and shots on target per game in a Premier League season during his tenure. While they remain effective at home, the margins have narrowed. Nevertheless, bouncing back to winning ways [WWDWL] remains one of Newcastle’s objectives. A 4—3—3 formation with Nick Woltemade, Anthony Gordon and Jacob Murphy in attack is expected against the Blues.

Chelsea [WDLDW] arrive with defensive solidity as their main platform. No side has kept more clean sheets in the Premier League this season than the Blues, who are level with Arsenal on eight. They have also recorded four clean sheets in their last five away league matches, a dramatic improvement on their previous away record. That resilience could prove vital in a stadium where Newcastle tend to impose themselves early. Going forward, Chelsea’s threat has often come from transitions and wide areas. Pedro Neto has been their most productive attacker this season, directly involved in eight league goals. Four of his five goals have come away from home, highlighting his importance in big away fixtures where space is limited. The Blues will be counting on the former Wolves’ forward to cause problems for Eddie Howe’s side. A 4—2—3—1 formation with Joao Pedro in attack may be seen against the Magpies.