This article contains affiliate links to advertisers. The analysis is our own. Gamble Aware 18+
Round 17 of an exciting Premier League season begins at St James’ Park, where Newcastle United host Chelsea. Football fans who can’t make it along to the famous venue can follow every tackle, goal, and talking point on television and the best live streaming apps. The Magpies and Blues go head-to-head, but which side will claim a vital EPL victory?
Newcastle have already banked some eye-catching wins this season, beating big-name opponents at this venue. Eddie Howe’s team are on a strong run of form as they push for a European finish. Despite three wins and a draw in four games, Newcastle lost at Sunderland last time. Chelsea arrive on the back of a solid 2-0 home win over an ambitious Everton.
Newcastle and Chelsea shared seven goals last season when meeting in the Premier League and EFL Cup. Fans hope for more of the same, with this fixture delivering more goals. Experienced football betting writer Frank Monkhouse uses the stats and trends available on the Flashscore app to settle on his three data-led predictions and best bets.
Newcastle v Chelsea tips
Both teams to score @ 8/13 (bet365)
Chelsea or draw @ 1/2 (bet365)
Palmer to score or assist @ 1/1 (bet365)
Odds courtesy of bet365. Correct at the time of publication and subject to change.
Back BTTS at St James’ Park
Newcastle United and Chelsea enter Saturday’s showdown knowing a win would hand their supporters an early Christmas present. Three Premier League points would also boost their chances of finishing in the prize places. Three points at home would move the Magpies into the top half of the EPL, helping heal the wounds of that painful loss to Sunderland last week.
Chelsea started the week in fourth. Leaving St James’ Park with a win and taking the three points back to London would see the Blues strengthen their position, moving five points clear of Crystal Palace in fifth. The visitors failed to win three games on the bounce, with two draws and a defeat. They did beat Everton 2-0 at Stamford Bridge in their last league start.
Newcastle and Chelsea were both in EFL Cup action in midweek, with the hosts playing Fulham here on Wednesday, and Chelsea visiting Cardiff City on Tuesday. Fatigue will begin to play a part as a hectic festive period takes hold. Newcastle have conceded four goals in three league games this month, while Chelsea have leaked three in the same period.
Tip: Both teams to score @ 8/13 (bet365)
Bet explanation: You need Newcastle and Chelsea to score at least one goal each to land a profit from this wager.
Visitors will avoid defeat
We’re taking sides in our second Newcastle v Chelsea pick, taking the Blues in the double chance market. When following this prediction, the final score and scorers aren’t important. You’re backing Chelsea to avoid defeat, with an away win paying the same as a draw. You’ve covered two of the three possible outcomes in the match-winner betting market.
The Londoners haven’t exactly been a reliable team for bettors to follow this season, with the Club World Cup champions struggling for consistency. They’ve looked leggy at times, like a busy summer spent in the States is beginning to catch up with them, but they impressed last weekend. Chelsea relied on home advantage to beat a well-drilled Everton 2-0 without fuss.
The form available at Flashscore shows Chelsea have won three of their last six league games, but have lost only once in that period. That spare was a surprise 3-1 reverse at Elland Road earlier this month. Since that shock result, Enzo Maresca’s team have taken four of the six points available, drawing with Bournemouth and beating David Moyes’ team.
Tip: Chelsea win or draw @ 1/2 (bet365)
Bet explanation: If Chelsea avoid defeat at St James’ Park, you’ll boost your betting balance.
Palmer to play his part
Our third and final Newcastle v Chelsea prediction comes with the best odds of the three. We’re backing fans' favourite Cole Palmer to play a part, taking the young Englishman to score or provide an assist. With this market, a wonder goal from 35 yards pays the same as a simple pass for a teammate to tap the ball into the net. There’s reason to be confident, too.
Palmer recently returned to the Chelsea line-up following a period on the sidelines nursing an injury. The attacker didn’t feature in October or November, but returned earlier this month to face Leeds United at Elland Road and Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium. The 23-year-old marked his return to Stamford Bridge with a goal against Everton last weekend.
Despite his last Premier League goal coming in a 2-2 draw at Brentford back in September, Palmer showed no signs of rust when netting first against the Toffees. He broke the deadlock on 21 minutes and played until just before the hour mark. He’s still lacking fitness and sharpness, but he’s a big-game player. Pick Palmer to prove his worth again in this game.
Tip: Palmer to score or assist @ 1/1 (bet365)
Bet explanation: Cole Palmer must score or provide an assist at St James’ Park to land you a profit from this bet.
Newcastle v Chelsea
Newcastle win @ 31/20 (bet365)
Discover the Best Betting Bonuses
If you're looking to take advantage of this week's Premier League matches for your bets, Flashscore is here to help. On our betting bonuses page, you'll find some of the best promotions and bonus codes on the market.
The odds, correct at the time of publication, are subject to change.