As the top of the Premier League table condenses, Chelsea can end the weekend in the top four if they're able to protect their home pitch against a tricky Newcastle United side. The Blues sit seventh only three points behind Arsenal for a Champions League spot. Meanwhile, Eddie Howe's men have been treading water. Their defense has been strong only allogin eight goals, but they've also only scored eight goals because of Alexander Isak not getting going yet. This could be the game for that but with Reece James back in the Chelsea rotation, their defense will also improve.

Here are our storylines, how you can watch the match and more:

How to watch and odds

  • Date: Sunday, Oct. 26 | Time: 10 a.m. ET
  • Location: Stamford Bridge -- London
  • TV: USA  | Live stream: Fubo (Try for free)
  • Odds: Chelsea -140; Draw +320; Newcastle +320

Storylines

Chelsea: Enzo Maresca started the season with numerous injuries, but now Chelsea have almost a full complement of players at their disposal for the match. Balancing the Europa Conference League and the Premier League with almost entirely different rosters, Maresca will also ensure that his team is fresh and ready to go for a challenging match against Newcastle. 

Chelsea predicted lineup: Robert Sanchez, Malo Gusto, Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Reece James, Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Jadon Sancho, Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, Nicolas Jackson

Newcastle: Defensively, the Magpies are down to bare bones. Kieran Trippier, Sven Botan, and Jamaal Lascelles will all miss the match which means that former Chelsea man Lewis Hall will need to come in at left back. It'll be quite a return to Stamford Bridge for him but it won't be a fun one contesting with Madueke and Sancho.

Newcastle predicted lineup: Lewis Hall, Dan Burn, Fabian Schar, Tino Livramento, Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon, Alexander Isak, Jacob Murphy

Prediction

Newcastle's lack of depth will end up biting them during the match as the Blues' change the tie in the second half of play to secure a victory.  Pick: Chelsea 2, Newcastle 1