Champions League hopefuls Newcastle United and Chelsea go head-to-head on Sunday as they battle to secure a top-five finish in the Premier League.
Both sides are sat on 63 points and are within touching distance of booking their ticket to Europe's premier competition, with victory for either this weekend potentially pivotal in the race. Newcastle have home advantage but form favours Chelsea.
The Magpies looked destined to return to the Champions League after successfully building on their Carabao Cup triumph, but only one victory from their last three league matches has seen them stumble. They have already beaten the Blues en route to ending their trophy drought but were narrowly defeated at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League.
Chelsea progressed to the Europa Conference League final midweek and were even able to rest players – as they have done regularly on Thursday nights this season. The Blues beat champions Liverpool last time out, impressing at Stamford Bridge to take their winning streak to five in all competitions. But the capital side have lost their last three visits to St James' Park and will arguably be considered slight underdogs on Sunday.
Here is guide to the encounter.
