Here is how Chelsea and Newcastle United will line up for this afternoon’s match:
Chelsea starting XI: Cech, Ivanovic, Zouma, Terry, Azpilicueta, Matic, Fabregas, Willian, Oscar, Hazard, Costa
Chelsea subs: Courtois, Cahill, Luis, Mikel, Ramires, Remy, Drogba
Newcastle starting XI: Krul, Janmaat, Coloccini, Williamson, Dummett, Sissoko, Anita, Colback Cabella, Perez, Gouffran
Newcastle subs: Woodman, Santon, Haidara, Ameobi, Vuckic, Armstrong, Riviere
Chelsea welcome Newcastle United to Stamford Bridge this afternoon with the Blues all too aware of the threat the Magpies hold.
The visitors were the first side to defeat Chelsea this season and Jose Mourinho’s side could get revenge today, conscious that Manchester City are breathing down their necks.
Chelsea’s poor festive run means only goal-difference separates them from the reigning Premier League champions and it will be interesting to see how both sides fare today given what has happened at St James’ Park in recent days.
Newcastle may be without a permanent manager for now but they have won four of their last six encounters with Chelsea, although they lost their last two games at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea’s last league match was the 5-3 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur and they will not want to lose consecutive league matches so soon into 2015.
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