Chelsea will aim to extend their unbeaten start to the season with an away win against a resurgent Newcastle side.
Venue: St James’ Park Date: Saturday, 6th December Kick-off: 12:45 GMT TV: BT Sport
It’s a second trip to the North East in a week for a Chelsea side who currently sit six points clear at the top of the Premier League.
Add into that the Blues home win over Tottenham on Wednesday and it has been a busy week for Mourinho’s side.
However, Newcastle have also been busy, somewhat softening the blow of last Saturday’s defeat against West Ham on Saturday with a draw away at Burnley on Tuesday.
Despite a poor couple of games, the Magpies and boss Alan Pardew are certainly looking in better shape than they were earlier in the season when the majority of fans were calling for the boss’ head.
Chelsea have struggled in Newcastle on their last couple of visits, losing to a Loic Remy double last November after a shock 2-3 loss last February.
However, Chelsea made up for last season’s away disappointment with a comfortable 3-0 home win with Eden Hazard bagging his first hat-trick for the club.
Chelsea are a lot steadier so far in this campaign and certainly look to strongest side in the league, but did stagger their way to a draw last Saturday against Newcastle’s bitter rivals Sunderland.
Team News
Chelsea will welcome the return of Diego Costa after a one match ban but chelsea’s top scorer may have a contest on his hands after Drogba and Remy both scored against Spurs.
Chelsea are bound to miss Nemanja Matic in midfield, however, as he serves a one match suspension.
Newcastle will be boosted by the return of Moussa Sissoko and Jack Colback after the pair both served their suspensions. Captain Fabricio Coloccini, however, is unlikely to play due to a calf injury.
Predictions
A Newcastle win looks to most unlikely outcome but they will be boosted by the fact that they have never been beaten by a Mourinho side at St James’s Park and have a good recent record at home against the Blues.
However, this is the kind of game that cost Chelsea so dear last campaign and Mourinho will be determined to make sure there are no hiccups in winning this one.
Chelsea lineup: Courtois, Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Mikel, Fabregas; Hazard, Oscar, Willian; Costa
Score prediction: Newcastle 1-3 Chelsea
Pre Match Facts
- Newcastle have scored the highest percentage of goals from substitutes in the Premier League this season
- Eden Hazard has scored four goals in three Premier League appearances against Newcastle United
- Chelsea have won three and lost three of their last six games against Newcastle United in the Premier League
- Chelsea have had 12 different scorers in the Premier League this season, more than any other side
- Chelsea can set a new club record of 24 matches unbeaten in all competitions by avoiding defeat on Saturday
Source: Opta/BBC
