Chelsea welcome a relegation-threatened Newcastle to Stamford Bridge on Saturday as they aim to stretch their unbeaten streak under Guus Hiddink, a run of games that stretches back to December.
Chelsea are coming off a 1-1 draw with Manchester United while Newcastle beat West Brom 1-0 to move out the relegation zone for the time being.
Team news
Chelsea: The 1-1 draw was full of drama, including Diego Costa's late equaliser, but it didn't come without a devastating blow. Kurt Zouma suffered an ACL injury during the second half and results showed he will need surgery. The Frenchman will be out for around six months. Guus Hiddink today reported that Diego Costa broke his nose during training but the striker should be ready to go on Saturday.
Loic Remy is battling a leg injury but it's likely he'll be fit to possible feature against his former side and Radamel Falcao remains sidelined as he recovers from a groin problem.
Projected XI: Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Mikel, Fabregas; Oscar, Willian, Hazard; Diego Costa.
Newcastle: Steve McLaren's side currently have the busiest injury table in the league and will likely be without some key players on Saturday. Darryl Janmaat and Jack Colback could recover, from a thigh problem and a hamstring problem respectively, in time for the trip to London. Paul Dummett will continue to be sidelined for a few more weeks, as will fellow defender Chancel Mbemba.
Siem De Jong, Kevin Mbabu and Vurnon Anita will all miss the remainder of the month through injury.
Projected XI: Elliot; Janmaat, Taylor, Coloccini, Aarons; Shelvey, Tiote, Sissoko; Wijnaldum, Mitrovic, Townsend.
Background
The last time these two sides met, Newcastle stormed out to a 2-0 lead before late stunners from Ramires and Willian salvaged a point for Chelsea.
Chelsea have struggled against Newcastle in recent years, winning just four times in their last 10 meetings.
The Blues haven't lost to Newcastle at home since 2012, a 2-0 defeat that day.
Chelsea are currently 13th in the league on just 30 points while Newcastle are hovering above the relegation zone in 17th with 24 points, a lone point away from the drop. Six points separate the sides heading into Saturday's match.
Players to watch
Chelsea: Diego Costa - The Spaniard is on fire at the moment and cannot stop scoring under Guus Hiddink. Against a weaker Newcastle defence, he should be able to impose himself on the game and wreak havoc, even with a broken nose. His six goals since Hiddink took over are double the amount he scored under Mourinho this season and is beginning to hit his best form again.
Newcastle: Georginio Wijnaldum - The Dutchman is one of the few bright spots for Newcastle this season. He has nine goals this season but has struggled for consistency. Despite his struggles, when on form he's arguably Newcastle's most dangerous player and if given the nod on Saturday, he could be one player that causes Chelsea's defence a torrid time, especially since they'll be slower without Kurt Zouma.