NEWCASTLE UNITED and Chelsea appeared to be heading in opposite directions before the international break.
So Saturday's St James' Park showdown has the potential to be an intriguing clash.
The London giants started this season as a carry-on from last season's disaster and their enormously expensively assembled squad looked set to be heading for more mediocrity.
However, they have only lost once in their last eight games and they seem to have taken a huge injection of confidence, particularly from that crazy 4-1 win at Spurs.
They then went toe-to-toe with Engish and European champions Manchester City before the break and in an even-more entertaining 4-4 draw at Stamford Bridge, where they had to show real grit to keep track with City.
It's been a strange season for the Toon Army, who have lacked consistency. They have produced some excellent displays and results like beating Arsenal in the league, City and Manchester United in the League Cup and PSG at home in the Champions League.
But they have produced some absolute howlers too, not least in their last game where they collapsed to defeat at lowly Bournemouth prompting Kieran Trippier and Geordie fans to have ‘words.' Not a good look.
How the bookies view it
There's not much between the teams here although Newcastle narrowly have favouritism with 6/4 at Paddy Power compared with Chelsea's price of 7/4 with bet365. The draw is 5/2 with William Hill.
Recent head to heads
Last season, Newcastle won 1-0 at St James' Park and drew 1-1 in the capital. Previously, Chelsea had won the last four games in a row between the clubs.
Players to watch
Anthony Gordon has been in fine form for Newcastle and has been backed for a shock Scotland call-up instead of his native England. The former Everton star is 17/5 to score with UniBet.
Cole Palmer netted an injury time penalty for Chelsea in that dramatic showdown with Manchester City. He is 7/2 to score anytime with bet365.
Anything else catch the eye?
These two sides are very hard to predict which version of them will turn up this season and there's a good chance the game could end in an entertaining stalemate draw, just as Chelsea managed with Manchester City.
Newcastle do most of their good work at home and surely must get some kind of reaction from that Bournemouth debacle.
This should lead to goals with Chelsea particularly prolific at both ends recently. Go for both teams to score and over 2.5 goals at 11/10 with bet365.
This English Premier League match between Newcastle United and Chelsea will be played on Nov 25, 2023 and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best Newcastle United vs Chelsea prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
