Chelsea v Newcastle @ ST. James’ Park
Saturday 6 December @ 12:45pm
Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea travel to an inconsistent Newcastle, who were lucky to come away with a point at Burnley on Tuesday evening.
The unbeaten league leaders will be without influential midfielder Nemanja Matic for the clash after he picked up his fifth booking of the season during the victory over Tottenham on Wednesday.
However, top-scorer Diego Costa is welcomed back into the squad after serving his one-game suspension and he will be looking to keep up his excellent goal scoring form against a Tim Krul-less Newcastle.
Chelsea have lost on their previous two visits to St. James’ Park and the Blues are currently on a 21-game unbeaten run in all competitions and the league title already looks to be heading to Stamford Bridge.
But Alan Pardew remains confident side can keep up the Chelsea jinx at St. James’ Park.
Newcastle welcome back captain Fabricio Coloccini from injury and he will need to be at his very best to deny an in-form Eden Hazard, who scored a hat-trick in the previous clash between the two sides.
Jack Colback and Moussa Sissoko are welcomed back from suspension and Remy Cabella is also set for recall after his impressive cameo during Newcastle’s midweek draw with Burnley.
Star man: Eden Hazard
Danger man: Moussa Sissoko
Previous result: Chelsea 3 (Hazard x3) Newcastle 0, February 8 2014
Image courtesy of Sky Sports via YouTube, with thanks
