Newcastle vs. Chelsea – e-Football Preview.

Article by Newcastle Correspondent Sophie Hedley

Chelsea could top the Premier League table with a win over despondent Newcastle.

The Blues, who won all their six games in October, will be looking to continue their emphatic run with three points at St James Park.

Newcastle, who are struggling for form after a 2-1 loss in the North East derby and a cup defeat to Manchester City, will face a tough test against a resurgent Chelsea.

Manager Alan Pardew is also faced with fresh injury problems ahead of the game against second place Chelsea.

Geordie defender Paul Dummett is out with a hamstring injury suffered in the extra time defeat to Manchester City.

Fabricio Coloccini and Steven Taylor are also both expected to continue their lengthy absences through injury which leads the way for a return to Premier League action for Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, who was sent off against Liverpool. He is expected to partner Mike Williamson in defence.

Pardew will be hoping to see the Toon’s confidence restored, having put in an improved performance during the first 60 minutes against Manchester City.

However, he is likely to face a fresh Chelsea side, with Jose Mourinho having made ten changes for the 2-0 win against Arsenal in the League Cup.

Chelsea have no new injury worries and would expect to beat Newcastle, who’ve only won once at home all season.

Striker Fernando Torres, who finally seems to be finding his feet at Chelsea, will be hoping to start the match. Whilst he has scored some vital goals for Chelsea recently including the winner against Manchester City and two against Schalke in the Champions League, Newcastle centre-back Williamson is looking forward to playing against him.

Williamson told nufcTV:

“It's fantastic to test yourself against these top players and I just relish every opportunity I get to put the Newcastle shirt on, because it is an honour.

“I'm just enjoying it at the minute and long may it carry on.

“The lads know the qualities we've got in the group and we know on our day, we can beat anyone so it's just all about replicating our defensive shape and hopefully on Saturday we'll get that rub of the green and get a few more goals.”

My Thoughts:

Newcastle played much better against Manchester City on Wednesday, but I can’t see us getting anything against Chelsea.

Mourinho has really revived Chelsea this season, and they’re scoring goals for fun with 18 in their last six games. With all our defensive problems, it will be very difficult for us to keep them out.

Our attacking players are struggling for form too and Chelsea haven’t conceded more than one goal in a match this season so it doesn’t look too promising for us.

We do need to start picking up some points soon. 11th might not look too bad considering how last season went, but we’re very close to the relegation zone with some tricky games coming up.

As early as it may be in the season, we need to restore some credibility at home but I can’t see this match being the starting point.

Predicted Newcastle Line-up:

Krul; Debuchy, Williamson, Yanga-Mbiwa, Santon; Cabaye, Tiote, Sissoko; Gouffran, Ben Arfa, Remy

Score Prediction:

Newcastle 1-3 Chelsea.

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