What: Barclays Premier League
Who: Chelsea (1st, 32 pts) v Newcastle United (17th, 13 pts)
When: Saturday 22 November 2008, 15.00
Where: Stamford Bridge, London
Gloom On Toon
Joe Kinnear is due to meet owner Mike Ashley after Saturday’s game against Chelsea to discuss a contract extension.
The Newcastle United interim manager’s current rolling contract expires this weekend. With Ashley yet to sell the club, however, it appears likely that he will remain at the helm.
Kinnear’s record thus far has been solid if unspectacular, and he was only minutes away from a vital victory last time out against Steve Bruce’s Wigan Athletic.
However, a former player returned to haunt the Magpies, with a late Titus Bramble goal enough to snatch a 2-2 draw for the Latics at St James’ Park.
Only goal difference now separates Newcastle from the relegation zone and, with trips to Chelsea and a North East derby against Middlesbrough next up for the Toon, a place in the bottom three appears to be beckoning.
Fear Factor
The St James’ Park side have yet to win away from home this season and, to compound matters, have never beaten Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League.
Indeed, the last time the Magpies triumphed over the Blues in London was over 20 years ago, when they took all three points with a 3-1 win courtesy of strikes by Peter Beardsley and an Andy Thomas double.
Manager Kinnear has admitted that Chelsea can be frightening at times, particularly in their 5-0 defeat of Newcastle’s neighbours Sunderland earlier this month, but has promised not to treat the trip to London as a damage limitation exercise.
Top Of The Pile
In stark contrast, Chelsea are top of the table and are enjoying watching the goals fly in. Luiz Felipe Scolari’s men have scored eight times in their last three games and boast a very impressive goal difference ratio: 28 to the good.
Embarrassment in the Carling Cup was erased last time out with an easy 3-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion and the Blues will surely be relishing the visit of Newcastle to Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
The West Londoners possess an excellent record against Saturday’s visitors. They have won their last six league games against the Tynesiders with the loss of only one goal and did the double over the Magpies last season.
However, it is not all plain sailing at the Bridge. Didier Drogba is banned following his coin-throwing antics against Burnley in the Carling Cup and the league leaders’ injury problems persist with Michael Essien, Petr Cech, Ricardo Carvalho, Ashley Cole, Alex, Juliano Belletti and Frank Lampard all likely to miss Saturday’s game.
Still, confidence is high amongst Scolari’s men and they will want to warm up for Wednesday’s Champions League tie away to Bordeaux with three points against Newcastle, whilst holding onto top spot in the Premier League.
Better Late Than Never
Despite their league standing and current excellent form, the Blues should not need reminding that in the corresponding fixture last season it took a last minute goal to secure all three points.
Michael Essien had opened the scoring in the first half, but the home side’s lead was cancelled out by Nicky Butt early in the second period.
With the game looking to be heading for a draw, Saloman Kalou popped up to hit the winner with three minutes to go and break Toon hearts.
FORM GUIDE
Last Five Results
Chelsea
Nov 15: West Brom 0-3 Chelsea
Nov 12: Chelsea 1-1 Burnley
Nov 09: Blackburn 0-2 Chelsea
Nov 04: Roma 3-1 Chelsea
Nov 01: Chelsea 5-0 Sunderland
Newcastle
Nov 15: Newcastle 2-2 Wigan
Nov 09: Fulham 2-1 Newcastle
Nov 03: Newcastle 2-0 Aston Villa
Oct 28: Newcastle 2-1 West Brom
Oct 25: Sunderland 2-1 Newcastle
TEAM NEWS
Chelsea
Didier Drogba begins a three match suspension following his coin-throwing against Burnley.
On the injury front Frank Lampard may miss out as he recovers from a rib injury that ruled him out of England’s midweek win over Germany.
However, there is good news for Scolari as goalkeeper Cech and Joe Cole may be fit however Ashley Cole, Carvalho, Belletti and Alex are all doubts.
Possible Starting XI: Cech, Bosingwa, Ivanovic, Terry, Bridge, Ballack, Mikel, Deco, Kalou, Anelka, Malouda.
Newcastle United
Joey Barton is out for eight weeks after damaging knee ligaments against Wigan, so Danny Guthrie is expected to deputise.
Steven Taylor is also still missing with a groin problem but Charles N’Zogbia may feature after impressing manager Kinnear.
Michael Owen is in contention for a place in the starting line-up after scoring as a substitute last time out.
Possible Starting XI: Given, Beye, Bassong, Coloccini, Jose Enrique, Gutierrez, Barton, Butt, Duff, Owen, Martins.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Chelsea – Nicolas Anelka
The Frenchman tops the Premier League’s goalscoring charts after hitting a dozen goals already this season.
The striker has eight goals in his last four games and with Didier Drogba suspended the Blues will need his red-hot scoring run to continue.
There is added motivation for Anelka, who will know that a brace on Saturday will see him reach 100 Premier league goals.
Newcastle United – Shay Given
Despite their lowly position in the league, goalkeeper Given continues to be one of Newcastle’s most vital players and he may be in for a busy afternoon at Stamford Bridge.
Having spent the summer being linked with a move to Arsenal, he has spent the last few weeks surrounded by speculation that the Gunner's north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur want him to replace Heurelho Gomes.
Yet whilst Given continues to pledge his future to the Toon, another eye-catching display against Chelsea will surely send the rumour mill into overdrive once more.
PREDICTION
Chelsea remain a formidable opponent, especially at home, and with Newcastle yet to win away this season, this looks a very one-sided game.
Scolari’s men are scoring for fun at the moment and, with Steven Taylor absent, the Newcastle back four looks anything but solid.
Joe Kinnear has already denied suggestions his side might view this game as a damage limitation exercise, but anything other than a comfortable home win looks highly unlikely.
Prediction: Chelsea 3-1 Newcastle
Chelsea Vs Newcastle
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