Chelsea v Newcastle United

Chelsea take on Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge knowing they will guarantee top spot if they notch a fifth successive Barclays Premier League victory.

Only goal difference is keeping the Magpies out of the relegation zone. They have not won on the road this season and have not beaten Chelsea in London since Andy Thomas got a brace and Peter Beardsley the other in a 1-3 victory on 22nd November 1986.

Chelsea have won their last six consecutive home league matches against Newcastle, conceding just one goal. They have kept clean sheets in nine of the 15 Premier League meetings at the Bridge.

Last season a depleted Chelsea side won this fixture 2-1 thanks to goals from Michael Essien and Salomon Kalou. A Wayne Bridge own-goal had brought Newcastle back into the match before Kalou's late strike.

Team Updates:
Chelsea injuries(i) and suspensions (Y) or (R)
Alex(i), Essien(i), J. Cole(i), Carvalho(i), Belletti(i), Di Santo(i)

Newcastle injuries(i) and suspensions (Y) or (R)
Taylor(i), Viduka(i), Xisco(i), Gonzalez(i), Smith(i)

Possible Full Time Score: Chelsea 3 Newcastle 0

Posted in: Chelsea,EPL