Maurizio Sarri’s Chelsea will face Rafael Benítez Newcastle in third game-week this Sunday. The Blues will be looking to discontinue the losing streak at St James’ Park which have been going on since December 2011. Chelsea have not won against Newcastle in a away game since 2011. Chelsea have a good chance of defeating the Magpies considering the form they are in and also the way they are scoring relentlessly. Three goals in both the fixtures have surely gained the confidence of the team who were doubtful in performing well under new Boss.
Newcastle on the other hand have performed under par, losing the first match while losing the opportunity of gaining 3 points after Kenedy missed the spot kick and ending up with 1 point.
When and Where?
Location: St James’ Park
Time: 4pm on Sunday 26 August.
Head to Head
Fixtures: 163 times
Chelsea win: 71 times
Newcastle win: 53 times
Team News
Eden Hazard may have got few minutes on the pitch but has made an impact with assisting two goals. Sarri would start with the forward who has been in sublime form since world cup. Cesc Fabregas is still a doubt considering his knee injury. Willian will be a doubt.
For the host, Isaac Hayden was suspended in the last match against Cardiff and will miss the match against Blues. Kenedy will not feature due to his ineligibility to play against his parent club. Florian Lejeune will yet not feature due to his long-term absence.
Possible starting XIs
Newcastle XI: Dubravka(Gk), Yedlin, Lascelles, Clark, Dummett, Richie, Shelvey, Diame, Muto, Perez, Rondon
Chelsea XI: Kepa(Gk), Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Luiz, Alonso, Kante, Jorginho, Barkley, Pedro, Morata, Hazard
