Chelsea are without victory in three games but they will be hoping to change the unwanted record when they tackle the Magpies at home on Saturday.
The Blues played an uninspiring goalless draw with Southampton a fortnight ago before Maurizio Sarri’s men were narrowly beaten 1-0 by Tottenham in Carabao Cup during the week.
They are three points ahead of Arsenal and six points above rejuvenated Manchester United, hence, Saturday’s game is a very important clash they can’t afford to perform below expectations.
TEAM NEWS AND INJURY LIST
Willian, Olivier Giroud, Pedro and Mateo Kovacic are all in contention for a place in the starting lineup as the trio are back to full training.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek is out due to the injury he sustained while in action against Nottingham Forest in last week’s FA Cup fixture.
Morata is equally back to fitness after missing their 2-0 win over the League One side last weekend, though he faces bleak future at Stamford Bridge.
POSSIBLE LINE-UP
Kepa Arrizabalaga will be between the sticks for the Blues as long as there’s no sudden case of injury.
Cesar Azpilicueta, David Luiz, Antonio Rudiger and Marcos Alonso are set to retain their place in the team.
Mateo Kovacic — who missed a game due to illness — is tipped to return to the first XI again Rafa Benitez’s men.
N’Golo Kante will define retain his spot on the team while Jorginho is the last man at the middle of the pitch.
Youngster Hudson-Odoi, who is heavily linked with a £45m switch to Bayern Munich, could maintain his place as Sarri is doing everything possible to ensure the England international stays at Stamford Bridge beyond this season.
Eden Hazard will continue in his unfamiliar ‘false 9’ position while Barcelona target Willian gets another opportunity to prove his doubters wrong.
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