Newcastle v Chelsea
Barclays Premier League Venue: St James' Park Date: Sunday, 28 November Kick-off: 1330 GMT Coverage: Watch live on Sky Sports 1 and highlights on Match of the Day; listen on talkSPORT and local radio; text commentary on BBC Sport website and mobiles
TEAM NEWS
Newcastle are without regular centre-backs Mike Williamson and Fabricio Coloccini, both of whom are beginning three-match suspensions.
Joey Barton still has one game of his own ban to serve, but fellow midfielder Cheik Tiote is now suspension free.
Chelsea are again without the injured John Terry but Alex is fit to play.
Influential midfielders Frank Lampard and Michael Essien are still sidelined, with the Ghanaian serving the final game of a three-match suspension.
Newcastle
Suspended : Coloccini & Williamson (three matches), Barton (one match)
Doubtful : Ameobi (hamstring)
Injured : Ben Arfa (broken leg), Best and R Taylor (both ankle), Gosling (knee), Harper (shoulder)
Chelsea
Suspended : Essien (one match)
Injured : Benayoun (Achilles), Lampard (groin), Terry (back) MATCH PREVIEW
In a week of media scrutiny about his long-term future, it's somewhat ironic that the fixture computer has sent Carlo Ancelotti and his Chelsea team to Newcastle, a city often likened to living life in a goldfish bowl.
To lose two centre-halves for three games is a big, big blow, but we just have to get on with it, I don't think that anyone who has seen us play would call us a dirty team. It's not a concern that we'll pick up a reputation at all, because we're not that kind of side
Chris Hughton, Newcastle manager
The Italian has never managed at St James' Park before, but if speculation is to be believed he may well be looking at new surroundings again in the summer. Owner Roman Abramovich is rumoured to be unhappy at the team's style of play despite scoring four goals or more in 18 games during Ancelotti's 17-month tenure, as well as securing the Premier League and FA Cup double at the first time of asking.
Newcastle, like their opponents, have problems at the heart of their defence. Regular centre-backs Fabricio Coloccini and Mike Williamson, who have both featured in all 14 of the Magpies' league games this season, are missing as they begin three-match suspensions. Coloccini was sent-off in the 5-1 rout at Bolton last weekend, while Williamson received a retrospective ban from the FA for violent conduct in the same match.
Their absence could lead to a first Premier League start in a Newcastle shirt for veteran summer signing Sol Campbell. The 36-year-old will be hoping he is a lucky omen for the Magpies, as his first official start for the club came in the third round of the League Cup at Chelsea earlier this season, where Chris Hughton's side ran-out dramatic 4-3 winners. Steven Taylor could also figure for the first time since dislocating his shoulder in a pre-season friendly.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
• Newcastle and Chelsea have met 130 times in league encounters. Newcastle have won 44 times, with Chelsea victorious on 52 occasions.
• The Magpies have not scored in their last three league matches against Chelsea. It is 304 minutes (five hours and four minutes) since Nicky Butt scored in a 2-1 away defeat in December 2007.
• Chelsea are unbeaten in their last three Premier League trips to St James' Park. The last two visits have ended in 2-0 successes, with Florent Malouda scoring on both occasions.
Newcastle
• Newcastle have lost their last six league home games against Big Four opposition, conceding at least twice in the process.
• Kevin Nolan has scored six of his seven Premier League goals at St James' Park this season, the equal best home performer in the league along with Chelsea duo Didier Drogba and Florent Malouda.
• The Magpies are unbeaten against London opposition this term, having won at both Arsenal and West Ham and drawn at home to Fulham.
• If selected, Sol Campbell will be making his 500th career league appearance, while Jose Enrique stands by to start his 100th game for the Magpies.
Chelsea
• The Blues have lost three of their last four league matches, including the last two. It is the first time in four-and-a-half years they have lost consecutive league games. Defeat at St James' Park would bring about three straight league losses for the first time since October 1999.
• All four of Chelsea's league defeats have come after they conceded the opening goal. The only occasion they have bucked that trend this season was a comeback win at Blackburn last month.
• Despite Chelsea's recent defensive woes, Petr Cech has kept eight Premier League clean sheets this season, more than any other goalkeeper.
• If selected, Florent Malouda will be playing in his 100th league game for Chelsea. He has scored 27 goals in his 99 appearances. John Obi Mikel and Paulo Ferreira also stand by to make their 100th Premier League start for the Blues.
LEADING GOALSCORERS
Newcastle
Carroll: 8 goals (8 league); Nolan 7 goals (7 league)
Chelsea
Anelka: 10 goals (3 league); Malouda: 8 goals (7 league); Drogba 7 goals (6 league)
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee : Andre Marriner
Assistant referees : Jake Collin & Scott Ledger
Fourth official : Chris Foy
LAST LEAGUE MATCH LINE-UPS
Newcastle (L1-5 v Bolton, a): Krul, Simpson, Williamson, Coloccini, Jose Enrique, Guthrie (Routledge 71), Nolan, Smith, Gutierrez (Campbell 77), Carroll, Ameobi (Lovenkrands 72). Subs Not Used: Soderberg, Perch, Steven Taylor, Ranger
Chelsea (L0-1 v Birmingham, a): Cech, Ferreira (Bosingwa 65), Alex, Ivanovic, Cole, Ramires (Sturridge 72), Mikel, Malouda, Anelka, Drogba, Kalou. Subs Not Used: Turnbull, Van Aanholt, Bruma, Kakuta, McEachran
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/9220709.stm