| PROBABLE LINEUPS |
NEWCASTLE UNITED  Krul Simpson, Taylor, Coloccini, Taylor Obertan, Cabaye, Guthrie, Lovenkrands Ben Arfa Ba | CHELSEA  Cech Ivanovic, Luiz, Terry, Cole Ramires, Meireles, Lampard Sturridge, Drogba, Mata |
Meanwhile, Leon Best remains a doubt as he is recovering from a groin problem.
Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas does not have too many injury concerns to deal with, with long-term absentee Michael Essien (anterior cruciate ligament) and Josh McEachran (ankle) the only players who will miss the encounter at the Sports Direct Arena. Goalkeeper Henrique Hilario is a doubt due to an illness.
| DID YOU KNOW? |
Newcastle United have locked horns with Chelsea 66 times at home, winning 34, losing 15 and drawing 17 matches in the process.
- Pardew's men are placed seventh in the half-time table. This means that if all matches ended after the first period, then the Tyneside outfit would not be sitting on a European spot, as they are now.
- Demba Ba (pictured right) is currently in the Premier League top 10 scorers' list, with nine goals to his name.
- Chelsea are unbeaten in their last eight Premier League games against Newcastle United.
- But their recent form has been poor, as they have lost three of their last four matches in all competitions.
- Villas-Boas' men have also been below-par in defence this season, particularly on their travels. Prior to the recent 1-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers, the Blues had been unable to keep a clean sheet in their previous eight away games in the league.
Newcastle have the form whereas Chelsea have the squad, and the way both sides play should make this an entertaining contest. Pardew's men are undefeated in the league at home this season, and that should continue, but their proud defensive record might take a battering from an attack-minded away team.
Editor's Prediction
Newcastle United 2-2 Chelsea 
