Chelsea face a tough game against Newcastle this weekend and Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has given his prediction.The Blues travel to St James’ Park on Saturday lunchtime, looking for a first win

The match takes place at Cardiff City Stadium with kick-off scheduled for 8pm GMT on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. Cardiff are expected to approach the tie with intensity, viewing the visit of Chelsea as a major opportunity, particularly under the lights in front of a home crowd.

Yet even with the lead, Chelsea still allowed Cardiff to get back in the game, conceding an equaliser in the 75th minute. Had it not been for Pedro Neto’s late winner, the Blues were looking at a shock scoreline once the final whistle sounded.

Chelsea enters Saturday on a bit of a whimper on all fronts. After beating Barcelona in UEFA Champions League action last month, the club has gone winless in its past four matches. Along with losing to Leeds United earlier this month, the Blues only have draws against Arsenal and Bournemouth.

Chelsea and Barcelona clashed in an important UEFA Champions League match. Here are the results, score and highlights from the game:

A breathless start saw Newcastle bully the Blues and race into a two-goal lead within 20 minutes, Nick Woltemade earning redemption for his decisive Tyne-Wear derby own goal by netting twice from close range. Chelsea were unable to produce a response of any description during a chastening first half.

Only a shock win for Norway's Valerenga at Bayern could change the composition of the top 12. What matters is the top four, who go directly to the quarterfinals, while places five through 12 must survive an extra playoff round.

Even with deep changes in their squad this summer Wolfsburg remain a very strong team, especially when playing at home. Chelsea Women are well aware of such a challenge even if the squad that once beat them at home in the UEFA Women’s Champions League nearly six years ago is also long gone.