English Premier League: Newcastle United versus Chelsea Preview
Team News
Newcastle manager Chris Hughton is facing an injury crisis; he will be without first choice central defenders Mike Williamson and Fabricio. Both are serving a three match suspension and will be unavailable for this crucial fixture.
Sol Campbell and Steven Taylor will replace the two, even though neither has started a game this season in the Premier League. Nonetheless both possess experience but lack pace and skill, which could be dangerous if you’re up against the likes of Didier
Drogba.
Joey Barton is still unavailable, also serving a three match suspension. However, Cheik Tiote is back for his side. Steve Harper and Leon Best, shoulder and ankle injuries respectively are close to returning and may even have a place on the bench.
Chelsea captain John Terry will miss the trip to St James Park, but will most likely return for the Blues next weekend as there have been reports confirming that the nerve problem in his leg has subsided considerably and he will be fit by next week.
Frank Lampard has been suffering from a recurrent groin problem, but reports suggest that the star midfielder has begun training with the squad. However, he is not fit for selection but could make his return as soon as next week.
Russian international Yuri Zhirkov could also return in a week’s time for the Blues, his injury is not serious but he is being rested by Carlo Ancelotti. Star midfielder Michael Essien is suspended and will return after serving the three match ban.
Match Facts
Newcastle have only managed to score one goal in their last six matches against Chelsea and have failed to score in the last three home games against the Blues in the Premier League.
French international Florent Malouda has scored on his last two visits to St James Park in the Premier League.
Malouda has created 3.8 goal scoring chances per 90 minutes so far this season, which is the most in the Premier League. Team mate Salomon Kalou is second with 3.4.
Newcastle have only won one of their last 10 matches against Chelsea and none of their last six in the Premier League.
Newcastle player Cheikh Tiote has been booked in five out of six appearances in the Premier League.
John Obi Mikel has more touches than any other player in the English Premier League, 1307. Newcastle defender Jose Enrique is a close second with 1232 touches.
Newcastle star Andy Carroll has more touches on the ball in the opposition box than any other player so far this season in the Premier League.
Newcastle have scored 11 goals from set pieces in this season, the most in the top flight.
The Blues have not lost three successive Premier League matches since October 1999.
Both the time Newcastle won at St James Park this season in the Premier League, they scored at least five goals.
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