Having got back to winning ways against Everton – before then beating Cardiff City to book our spot in the Carabao Cup semi-finals – the Blues travel north for a fixture at St James’ Park and will hope to make it back-to-back victories in the Premier League heading into Christmas.

The meeting with the Magpies is the first of three top-flight matches in 11 days, as we finish 2025 with back-to-back home games at Stamford Bridge against Aston Villa and Bournemouth.

Going into this spell, Maresca called for more of the same from the fans in the stands during this busy spell, whether they are travelling up to Newcastle or coming to the Bridge in the games that follow.

‘Continue to support the team in the way you have done since I joined the club and also in the past,’ said Maresca.

‘Just trust the process from the team, the club and from everyone.’

The end of the year is always a time to reflect on what has been achieved in the previous 12 months and to cast eyes ahead to what could be in the new year to come.

For Maresca, that means looking back at a 2025 that saw us return to the elite level of the UEFA Champions League with a fourth-placed finish in last season’s Premier League, as well as lifting silverware in both the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup.

When asked if there was more to come at Chelsea next year, though, the Italian was clear: he is hoping for further improvement during another successful 12 months ahead.

‘Absolutely, [there is still a lot to achieve],’ our head coach explained.

‘The other day we achieved our third semi-final in 18 months. Last season, again, was good in terms of trophies, and we finished fourth in the Premier League.

‘We brought the club back to the Champions League and the target is to improve upon what we did last season.’

Before then, there is still the matter of attempting to finish the current year on a high as we round out 2025 with three matches in quick succession, starting against Newcastle tomorrow.