Chelsea FC take on Newcastle United hoping to end their four game win-less streak at home. The Magpies on the other hand have recently climbed out of the relegation zone, losing just two of their last five games.
Chelsea will be without their central defender Kurt Zouma, who is expected to be out for up to six months due to a knee injury sustained against Manchester United.
A win would take Chelsea to within two points of Merseyside outfits Liverpool and Everton, who occupy the final European spot at 8th place.
Newcastle United will on the other hand be hoping to put some distance between them and the relegation zone, with Norwich just a point behind them.
Team News
Chelsea FC
Predicted Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Mikel, Matic; Willian, Fabregas, Hazard; Costa
Newcastle United
Predicted Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Elliot; Janmaat, Taylor, Coloccini, Aarons; Tiote, Shelvey, Sissoko, Wijnaldum, Townsend, Sissoko; Mitrovic
Stats
- Chelsea have failed to win in any of their last four league games.
- Newcastle have failed to score in any of their last three games at Stamford Bridge.
- Chelsea have won each of their last three games against Newcastle at home.
- Chelsea have scored at least twice in five off their six games against Newcastle in all competition
Prediction
Chelsea FC 2-1 Newcastle United
Newcastle United risk slipping back in to the relegation zone if they lose against Chelsea and with the Tyneside outfit not really having a great record at the Bridge, it does look unlikely that they will come away with all three points tomorrow.
Chelsea have improved their form under Dutch manager Guus Hiddink and so have some of the attackers, especially Diego Costa. Expect Chelsea FC to be motivated and looking to further close the gap on a faltering Liverpool FC in 9th place.
Odds (Bet365.com)
Chelsea win: 4/9
Draw: 15/4
Newcastle: 7
