Premier League preview: Chelsea v Newcastle

Chelsea will host Newcastle on Saturday in what is shaping up to be one of the matches of the round.

Chelsea will be looking to continue their solid early season form which has seen them defeat Wigan and Reading, while Newcastle will be hoping to build on their promising win over Tottenham in their opening league fixture.

The Londoners will hope they can atone for last season’s 2-0 loss at Stamford Bridge to Newcastle which will be remembered for a Papiss Cisse screamer in a game which played a major part in the Magpies finishing above the Blues on the league table.

Roberto Di Matteo’s side has looked sharp early in the campaign, particularly going forward, with new signing Eden Hazard already showing why he is one of the most exciting players in Europe.

However, their defence has looked shaky at times, typified by the two goals Reading were able to score against them on Wednesday.

Di Matteo will be hoping to eradicate those problems as his side face their toughest test of the season thus far.

Newcastle go into the game full of confidence after their hard-fought 2-1 victory over Spurs last weekend, although they had to settle for a 1-1 draw at Atromitos in Europa League qualifying on Thursday.

Alan Pardew’s side will be hoping that injured trio Cheick Tiote, Demba Ba and Fabricio Coloccini recover in time for Saturday’s clash after they were left out of the team that travelled to Greece.

Ryan Taylor equalised for Newcastle in Greece but may still have not done enough to earn a place against Chelsea.

Pardew said: “I should think in the Premier League, there are not too many players at dead balls who have the accuracy of Ryan.

“He is desperate to play in the first team, but he has got some good performances from Saturday’s game against Tottenham in front of him, so he has got to be patient.

“When he gets his chance, what more can he do? He played very well – and hopefully there are a few more of those, please.”

Chelsea’s injury list is far less extensive, with new signing Marko Marin the only absentee as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury that has marred his start to the season.

But if star signing Hazard continues to fire, Chelsea could be set for a third win in as many league games to start the campaign.