Maresca's Chelsea Ready for 'Huge' Clash with Newcastle

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca expects a 'huge' game against Newcastle, with both teams vying for a Champions League spot. Get the latest news, team updates, and tactical insights ahead of the crucial Premier League clash.

Enzo Maresca is gearing up for Chelsea's significant clash with Newcastle, a test of the team's European ambitions. Having overseen a 3-1 win over Liverpool last weekend, Maresca has named an unchanged starting lineup for consecutive Premier League games for the first time in six months, banking on his revitalized midfield to make an impact against Newcastle.

Romeo Lavia's return to consecutive starts, his first since November, has been crucial for Chelsea's midfield control. Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo are now playing their best football since joining the club, with Caicedo recently named Chelsea's player of the season. With a solid defensive foundation, forward Cole Palmer rediscovered his form, ending a lengthy goal drought with a standout performance against Liverpool.

‘It’s a big one, it’s a huge one.'

Enzo Maresca speaks ahead of #NEWCHE. 🫡

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 9, 2025

Enzo Maresca believes Chelsea's midfield will be crucial in Sunday's clash against Newcastle at St James' Park. With Romeo Lavia, Enzo Fernandez, and Moises Caicedo in good form, Maresca thinks his team's midfield control could make the difference. “Absolutely, yes. Against Liverpool we repeated the first XI after six months. It's important when you can continue with the same players,” he said, highlighting the significance of naming an unchanged lineup for consecutive games.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca expects a huge game against Newcastle, with both teams vying for a Champions League spot. “We have Romeo back fit, Moises is doing well, Enzo and Cole are doing well. Newcastle also have Bruno Guimaraes, Tonali, (Jacob) Murphy, (Joe) Willock. They have different kinds of players. I expect for sure a huge game.” With Chelsea and Newcastle separated only by goals scored, a win would be a significant boost for either side in the race for top-four qualification.

Chelsea has found form at the right time, winning six of their last nine league games, but their destiny still largely depends on their final two fixtures against Manchester United and Nottingham Forest. Enzo Maresca's side will face Real Betis in the UEFA Conference League final regardless of Sunday's outcome against Newcastle. On Newcastle's attacking style, Maresca said: “I hope so. We've played games against teams who play a low block, against teams that try to be aggressive, and we made some good games in both situations.”