Newcastle United and Chelsea are locked in a tight battle for the top five, and their clash in gameweek 36 at St James’ Park on Sunday could be a pivotal moment in both teams’ seasons.With Champions League qualification on the line, the fourth-placed Magpies are looking to extend their advantage over Chelsea, who are in strong form, having won three consecutive matches—their second-longest winning streak of the 2024-25 season, just behind a five-game run earlier in the season.Our penultimate away fixture of the season. 🔜⏳ pic.twitter.com/okrR2WSY9a— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 10, 2025 The Premier League’s race for the top five is intensifying, and this weekend promises more twists. Newcastle, sitting in fourth, are level on 63 points with Chelsea, who are aiming to keep their European dreams alive. The Magpies are keen to pull away from the Blues and secure their spot in next season’s Champions League, with only a handful of games remaining.Newcastle are four points behind second-placed Arsenal, who will be facing Liverpool before traveling to Tyneside next week. While Arsenal (67 points) and Manchester City (64) are still within reach, the Magpies know that the teams around them—Chelsea, Nottingham Forest, and Aston Villa—are just behind, making every point crucial.Although Newcastle have dropped points in two of their last three Premier League matches—losing to Aston Villa and drawing with Brighton—their recent form at St James’ Park offers plenty of reason for optimism. With five straight wins at home, including impressive victories over Manchester United and Crystal Palace, the Magpies have proven their ability to thrive on their own turf.Opta supercomputer’s predicted Premier League table. pic.twitter.com/zrqrWDBNpr— Vince™ (@Blue_Footy) May 9, 2025 Newcastle also have a strong record against Chelsea at home, having won seven of their last 11 Premier League meetings at St James’ Park, and most recently eliminating the Blues from the EFL Cup. With manager Eddie Howe’s successful record against Chelsea on Tyneside—three wins from three—the Toon Army are confident they can end Chelsea’s winning streak and maintain their push for a top-five finish.ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 36Saturday Fulham – Everton 1-3 (1-1)/Jimenez 17 – Mykolenko 45+3, Keane 70, Beto 74/Ipswich – Brentford 0-1 (0-1)/Schade 18/Southampton – Manchester City 0-0Wolverhampton – Brighton 0-2 (0-1)/Welbeck 29 pen, Gruda 85/Bournemouth – Aston Villa 0-1 (0-1)/Watkins 45+6/Sunday 14.00: (2.20) Newcastle (3.60) Chelsea (3.40)16.15: (1.92) Man.Utd. (3.50) West Ham (4.00)16.15: (1.35) Nott.Forest (4.90) Leicester (9.50)16.15: (2.65) Tottenham (3.50) Crystal Palace (2.60)18.30: (2.00) Liverpool (3.60) Arsenal (4.00)***odds are subject to change***
