Chelsea have a good historical record against Newcastle United and have won 81 out of the 178 matches

The race for Champions League places looks set to go right to the wire in the Premier League but this clash between Newcastle and Chelsea could be pivotal in deciding who gets a seat at Europe’s top table.

Chelsea have been slumming it in the UEFA Conference League this term but owner Todd Boehly is craving a return to the big time in Europe after spending over a billion on players since his takeover.

Enzo Maresca has them on track at the moment, with the Blues sitting fifth heading into the latest round of fixture after a rousing 3-1 win over champions Liverpool that bust my coupon.

Newcastle also want to get back into the Champions League after missing out this term following last season’s adventure. Eddie Howe has them in a great position too, with the Magpies sitting above Chelsea on goal difference heading into this game.

They could only draw 1-1 at Brighton last time out, with Alexander Isak brining up a bet for Slips Tips, but will now be looking for the Toon Army to roar them to a massive win.

There’s little margin for error with both teams having tricky fixtures in the run-in but whoever comes out on top in this game will take a big stride towards their goal.

This fixutre has been keenly contested in recent years but Chelsea have held the upper hand, winning seven of the last 13 meetings and losing four. Chelsea won 2-0 at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League earlier this season but Newcastle got their revenge with a 2-1 St James’ Park win en route to lifting the EFL Cup.

Newcastle are sweating on stopper Fabian Schar after he limped off against Brighton while Joelinton, Lewis Hall and Jamaal Lascelles look set to miss the rest of the season.

Chelsea boss Maresca had the luxury of fielding a weakened team for the second leg of their Conference League semi with Djurgarden but should be back to his strongest available line-up. Wesley Fofana, Christopher Nkunku and Malo Gusto are the only first-team stars set to miss out with injury.

Newcastle United: Pope, Livramento, Botman, Burn, Trippier, Guimaraes, Tonali, Miley, Gordon, Barnes, Isak.

Chelsea: Sanchez, James, Colwill, Chalobah, Cucurella, Caicedo, Lavia, Fernandez, Palmer, Neto, Jackson.