On the other side, Chelsea has been picking up steam. With a 3-1 win over Liverpool last weekend, the Blues have gone unbeaten in six straight league matches, having won three contests in a row. In the tight race that both clubs are in, three points is almost a necessity to ensure they stay in the top five.

Here are the confirmed teams from St. James' Park for the Premier League clash between Newcastle and Chelsea. Newcastle. Starting XI: Pope, Livramento, Burn, Schar, Botman, Tonali

The battle for UEFA Champions League qualification in the Premier League remains on a knife edge and Sunday's clash between Newcastle and Chelsea at St James' Park promises to have a big say in the final analysis.