CHELSEA are up against Newcastle this weekend as the Premier League returns following the international break.
The Blues are on a good run of form in the league and haven't lost since the second week of the season against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.
New singings Hakim Ziyech, Ben Chilwell, Thiago Silva and Timo Werner are all improving with every week, and manager Frank Lampard is beginning to build more confidence.
But if there's one team outside the Big Six who can bring Lampard down to earth, it's Steve Bruce's Newcastle, who've started the season inconsistently themselves.
What time is kick-off?
- Newcastle vs Chelsea will kick off at 12.30pm TODAY in the UK.
- The game will take place the Magpies' St James's Park.
- Chelsea will be looking to go top of the Premier League for the first time this season.
What channel is it on and can it be live streamed?
- Newcastle vs Chelsea is available to watch on BT Sport 1.
- The action can be live streamed from the BT Sport app, which is available for download onto your tablet or smartphone.
Can I watch for FREE?
- You can watch Newcastle vs Chelsea for FREE, so long as you're an EE customer.
- EE are allowing their customers to sign up to BT Sport's three month FREE TRIAL, which you can sign up to HERE.
- All you need to do is text 'Sport' to 150 in order get your package up and running.
Listen to all of the action LIVE on talkSPORT
Team news
Ben Chilwell should be fit in time for his return to Chelsea after sustaining a back injury playing for England.
Otherwise, Chelsea could have close to a fully-fit squad for the game as Christian Pulisic looks to make his way back into the starting line-up.
Thiago Silva may get a rest after coming back from international duty with Brazil, however.
Newcastle will also have the majority of their squad fit but Steve Bruce may elect to rest some of the returning internationals.
In-form Callum Wilson will likely start for the Magpies, however.
Odds
- Newcastle – 11/2
- Draw – 10/3
- Chelsea – 1/2
*Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and correct at time of publication.
- Nyle Smith
SELECTIVE STEVE
There is no secret that this year has by far been the most challenging year in the world of football.
The pandemic has caused a quick turnaround of fixtures this season which has resulted in many injuries and positive cases across every club.
Someone who seems to be struggling with the minimal time between games is Steve Bruce.
It’s only been eight games in but Magpies boss has already selected 20 different players including those who have only made substitute appearances.
However, some fans don’t believe that the global crisis is to blame, they think that he just isn’t sure about his best starting 11.
Let’s see what line-up he goes with today. A pat on the back for anyone that guesses correctly.
- Nyle Smith
LAST TIME OUT
The stoppage time winner that stole the points for the Magpies!
- Nyle Smith
GOOD MORNING
FINALLY! THE PREMIER LEAGUE IS BACK!
Sorry, where is my manners?
Hi SunSport family. Hope you are all well, staying safe and obeying the Government’s guidelines.
Time to put the international break behind us as Newcastle United welcome Chelsea to St. James’ Park in today’s early kick off.
Despite a 2-0 defeat to Southampton in their last fixture, the Magpies should be satisfied with how their season has played out so far. They currently sit 13th in the league on 11 points but are closer to the top of the table than the drop zone.
However, Newcastle need a major improvement on their shots at goal tally. No side has had fewer shots in the Premier League than the Magpies this season (64).
On the other hand, Chelsea are looking like a serious threat this campaign. The Blues are currently the highest goal scorers in the league (20) and are unbeaten in six Premier League matches (W3 D3) with only Spurs being on a longer run in the competition.
Frank Lampard’s men put the blades to the sword in their last game. They ran out 4-1 winners over Sheffield United at Stamford Bridge which leaves them only 3 points off Leicester at the top.
Newcastle fans you might be worried but here’s a bit of optimism for you.
The Magpies have lost just one of their seven Premier League home games against Chelsea (W5 D1) and in this exact fixture last season, a 90th minute Isaac Hayden strike was enough to get the victory.
So everyone, go wipe the crust out your eyes and tune in for all the live updates from today’s game because that stat just made it a little more interesting.
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