Newcastle vs Chelsea Preview, Team News, Likely Line-Ups, Key Man & Predicted Score

Chelsea travel north to take on Newcastle United at St James’ Park in Saturday’s early kick-off with the Blues looking to go top of the Premier League.

The West Londoners head into the weekend action sitting two points behind leaders Arsenal so can leapfrog the north Londoners with a win over Newcastle ahead of the Gunners clash with Liverpool later in the day.

Jose Mourinho’s men warmed up for the game with a 2-0 win over Arsenal in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday night which followed a dramatic last minute win over Manchester City in the league last weekend, so they should be full of confidence heading to tyneside.

Newcastle on the other hand are looking to bounce back following a disappointing defeat to Sunderland last weekend which saw them go down 2-1 to their rivals.

Alan Pardew’s side then forced Manchester City in to extra time in the League cup on Wednesday before eventually losing 2-0, so they will be hoping to get back to winning ways tomorrow.

Team News

Newcastle will have to make do without captain Fabricio Coloccini for the game. The Argentinean defender is back in training but is unlikely to play due to a lack of match fitness.

Steven Taylor is also unavailable and Paul Dummett picked up a hamstring strain last week, so Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa is likely to pair up with Mike Williamson at the back.

Chelsea have no fresh injury concerns with only midfielder Marco van Ginkel absent through injury.

Jose Mourinho is expected to make wholesale changes after resting a number of key men against Arsenal in midweek. The likes of Petr Cech, Branislav Ivanovic, Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard, Ramires, Eden Hazard and Fernando Torres are likely to be recalled.

Juan Mata is hoping to retain his place after an excellent goal-scoring display last time out, but Andre Schurrle and Willian will push him for a starting spot.

Likely Line-Ups

Key Man

Fernando Torres: The Spaniard proved to be the match-winner last weekend with a last gasp goal to sink City and he’s now starting to find something like his best form again. Newcastle will have to pay close attention to him this weekend.

Predicted Score

Newcastle 0-2 Chelsea: The Blues are full of confidence and well rested, so we can see Jose Mourinho’s men seeing off Newcastle to put the pressure firmly on Arsenal.

What would be your preferred team for the game and what’s your score prediction? Share your thoughts below.