Premier League leaders Chelsea will put their unbeaten Premier League record on the line against Newcastle in Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off.
Jose Mourinho’s men beat Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 on Wednesday night at Stamford Bridge to cement their six-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the league.
They did suffer a mini-blip last weekend when Sunderland held the west Londoners to a 0-0 draw at the Stadium of Light.
Chelsea make a quick return to the north east knowing they can break a club-record run of 24 competitive matches unbeaten if they avoid defeat, however a Chelsea team managed by Mourinho has never won a league game at St James' Park.
Newcastle’s 2-0 victory in this corresponding fixture last season was Alan Pardew's first Premier League win over Mourinho and his side head into this game unbeaten in their last five home league matches. source: skysports.com
The last three of those matches have ended in Newcastle wins as QPR, Liverpool and Leicester City all suffered 1-0 defeats in front of the Geordie faithful.
Team news
Moussa Sissoko and Jack Colback will return from suspension for Newcastle but Fabricio Coloccini is unlikely to be risked as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury while Mike Williamson, Daryl Janmaat and Sammy Ameobi all face late fitness tests.
Chelsea striker Diego Costa is available after a one-match ban, while defender Gary Cahill is set to play having recovered from concussion.
However, midfielder Nemanja Matic, who has played in every minute of Chelsea’s Premier League season, is suspended after picking up his fifth booking of the campaign against Tottenham.
Merson’s prediction
“I think Chelsea will carry on where they left off the other day when they beat Tottenham 3-0. It will be harder without Nemanja Matic but Newcastle have a lot of players out, and that means I can’t see past the Blues getting another win and extending their lead at the top.”
Opta stats
Eden Hazard has scored four goals in three Premier League appearances against Newcastle United – more than against any other side
Nemanja Matic was booked in only one of his opening eight Premier League appearances this season, but has been yellow carded in four of his last six
Jose Mourinho could reach the 400-point landmark as a Premier League manager in this game (currently 398).
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