Chelsea v Newcastle United: match preview

Chelsea have dropped only two points since that slapdash defeat at Selhurst Park in October and can unleash Eden Hazard back into the fray after the Belgian featured for only nine minutes in the midweek win over Swansea. Newcastle, in contrast, have won only once since September and boast a solitary victory at Stamford Bridge since 1986. Their comeback at the Hawthorns on Tuesday offers some cause for optimism but Rafael Benítez, a Europa League winner as Chelsea’s interim manager, is braced for an awkward return. Dominic Fifield

Kick-off Saturday 12.30pm

Venue Stamford Bridge

Last season n/a

Live Sky Sports PL

Referee Kevin Friend

This season G7, Y15, R0, 2.14 cards per game

Odds H 1-4 A 12-1 D 5-1

Chelsea
Subs from Caballero, Eduardo, Cahill, Clarke-Salter, Zappacosta, Drinkwater, Bakayoko, Ampadu, Sterling, Pedro

Doubtful Bakayoko (knee), Moses (match fitness)

Injured Batshuayi (ankle, 9 Dec), Kenedy (thigh, 9 Dec), Musonda (knee, 16 Dec), David Luiz (knee, Jan)

Suspended None

Form WWWWDW

Discipline Y21 R3

Leading scorer Morata 8

Newcastle United
Subs from Elliot, Manquillo, Shelvey, Murphy, Dummett, Diamé, Gayle, Mitrovic, Haïdara, Saivet

Doubtful None

Injured Lascelles (ankle, 9 Dec), Astu (thigh, 16 Dec)

Suspended None

Form WLLLLD

Discipline Y24 R1

Leading scorers Clark, Joselu, Lascelles 2