Two sides needing to steer themselves away from relegation meet at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea face Newcastle later night.
The reigning Premier League champions are yet to make that decisive positive step since Dutch manager Guus Hiddink regained the helm at the start of the year and although the Blues have not seen domestic defeat since mid-December, only one win has been recorded so far in 2016. A very lacklustre beginning had to be overcome to salvage a point at home against Manchester United last weekend, with Diego Costa scoring in the final minutes, following a terrible leg injury that was suffered by Kurt Zouma.
Meanwhile, inconsistency has continued to plague the Geordies who are hovering just one point above the drop zone. Also recording a draw with the likes of Man United in January, the momentum of Steve McClaren’s team is continuously halted with results such as the 3-0 defeat against Everton two weeks ago, although some recovery was shown with a triumph over West Brom in their most recent outing.
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In a game that promises to be a physical battle, the Newcastle defence will have to make sure their tempers are under control in order to minimize the impact of Costa. The infamous striker has truly regained his predatory instincts in front of goal since the change in managerial leadership, although in a close game his impact off the ball has proven just as valuable, if not controversial at times.
The Geordies will head into this fixture with no lack of confidence in their creative outlets. Brilliant summer signings have provided Georginio Wijnaldum with what may be a permanent spot in the centre of the attack and the Dutchman has embraced the tactical change with both hands. Posing an equal physical threat as Costa at the other end, both back lines will need to throw their bodies into every contest to keep these in-form hitmen under-wraps.
Team News
The Blues will be without reliable young defender Zouma for the rest of the season after a horrific landing on an attempted header out of the back saw the Frenchman wreck havoc on his knee. Gary Cahill will partner John Terry instead and after showing promise in his return from injury, Eden Hazard should start behind Costa. New arrivals Alexandre Pato and Matt Miazga still need to gain fitness.
Newcastle’s injury list is still lengthy and a continued hindrance for Steve McClaren, as the likes Paul Dummett, Siem De Jong and Tim Krul stay on the sidelines. Daryl Janmaat and Jack Colback are slim possibilities of featuring, while Andros Townsend and Jonjo Shelvey should retain their places in the starting lineup.
Head-to-head
Chelsea have a small advantage over the Geordies in the history of this fixture, with 67 victories compared to 52 over the 148 times they have played. 39 of their encounters have ended in draws.
Previous meeting
A 2-2 draw at St. James’ Park earlier in the season typified the desperation that the Blues would face from the beginning of the campaign until the New Year. A comeback in the last 10 minutes saw Willian and the now departed Ramires save Jose Mourinho some embarrassment.
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Prediction
The Toon is gaining confidence on the back of their January signings Shelvey and Townsend, who both have the capabilities to make a difference at Stamford Bridge. However, Chelsea’s dangerous names are also showing more since the New Year began and coupled with Newcastle’s terrible recent away record, Hiddink has a solid chance of recording a first home win since coming back as caretaker.
Chelsea 1 Newcastle 0
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