After an extremely amazing October the word 'Crisis' is well forgotten in the Chelsea camp now.Three prolific wins against Schalke, Manchester City and Arsenal have sent a clear message to the whole world what Chelsea is all about this season. 21 Chelsea players have put some brilliant performance in 48 hours proved that the club is more than capable of fighting in all fronts.From the attack to defense,Chelsea has shown both quality and depth in these past few matches.
On the other hand,the Toons have been through a rough start this season with only one win in four home matches.A defeat in last weekend's derby and getting knocked out from the Capital One Cup against Manchester City will put Newcastle in some pressure when they face this inform Chelsea side in their own backyard.They did put up a decent performance against City over 90 minutes and popular opinion might suggest that the Magpies digested an undeserved defeat late in extra time.The Magpies have been pretty average at home so far averaging just one point a game on the Geordie Shore and will start the day off in 11th place,points-tied with Swansea and Hull City.
Newcastle United - Chelsea this season:
Goals Scored
NUFC: 12
CFC: 16
Goals Conceded
NUFC: 16
CFC: 6
Total Chances Created
NUFC: 104
CFC: 103
Possession
NUFC: 49%
CFC: 54%
Average Pass Accuracy
NUFC: 79%
CFC: 84%
Average Shot Accuracy
NUFC: 43%
CFC: 44%
Average Pass Length
NUFC: 18m
CFC: 19m
Average Duels Won
NUFC: 56%
CFC: 58%
Alan Pardew made five changes against City from the side that lost the derby with Cabaye, Ben Arfa and Club's top scorer Loic Remy all rested although the former two played some part later.The Magpies undoubtedly have an immensely talented side with Loic Remy (five PL goals), Hatem Ben Arfa (two goals), Yohan Cabaye (two goals) Moussa Sissoko and Yoan Gouffran all capable of threatening any defense with fast counter-attacks. Davide Santon and Mathieu Debuchy,considered by many as the best wing-back pair in the league,provide width,flair and pace to every Newcastle attack.With Ryan Taylor out with a long term hamstring injury and Fabrio Coloccini still a doubt (groin injury), Pardew can recall Yanga-Mbiwa to pair with Williamson.The fixture might see the return of injured Jonas Gutierrez and Papiss Cisse who is in 13match goalless streak.Last year this fixture saw Newcastle come from behind to win the game 3-2 which means the Tyneside team has now on two out of their three last encounters with the West London side.
But what everyone will look forward to is Chelsea's starting lineup this Saturday as for the first time Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho faces the challenge that he always said he wanted from the beginning i.e the players performing and claiming a starting spot.But this dilemma shouldn't trouble Chelsea's number nine Fernando Torres much as after two vibrant and stunning performances against Schalke and Manchester City,analysts around the globe predict a certain rise of 'Torres 2.0' under Jose Mourinho.
We can also expect the rested trio of Schurrle,Oscar and Hazard to start behind Torres.Besides a breathtaking strike against Arsenal in the Emirates,Juan Mata being one of the scorers too in St. James Park last season can be considered as a possibility too. Alongside keeper Petr Cech,captain John Terry,Ivanovic and Ashley Cole are also poised to return in the side although the choice between Gary Cahill and David Luiz will clearly be a tactical one.
Possible starting XIs:
Newcastle United (4-3-3): Krul; Debuchy, Williamson, Yanga-Mbiwa; Santon; Cabaye, Tiote, Sissoko; Ben Arfa, Remy, Gouffran
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Cech; Ivanovic, Luiz, Terry, Cole; Ramires, Lampard; Schurrle, Oscar, Hazard; Torres
