Chelsea host Newcastle United on Saturday knowing that a win could take them as high as second spot if other results go their way.
Frank Lampard’s side were enjoying in a rich vein of form before the international break, with three wins from the last four games with defeat to league-leaders Liverpool their only blemish.
But Newcastle should not be underestimated.
Newcastle may be down in sixteenth place but Steve Bruce’s side have already defeated Manchester United and Tottenham this season, claiming that win over Spurs in London.
Premier League preview
Chelsea vs Newcastle
Premier League
Venue: Stamford Bridge
Kick-off time: 3pm, Saturday October 19
Team news and injuries
Chelsea will hope Callum Hudson-Odoi can continue his fine form from in front of goal after netting a brace in Tuesday's England Under-21s win over Austria.
The 18-year-old is in line to start against Newcastle as manager Frank Lampard waits to assess several Chelsea players who sustained problems during the international break
N’Golo Kante withdrew from the France squad after suffering an adductor muscle problem while Andreas Christensen picked up a groin injury while away with Denmark.
Mateo Kovacic was substituted at half-time in Croatia’s clash with Wales last weekend following a challenge from Ben Davies.
Antonio Rudiger could be in line for his first appearance since September 14 as he continues to work on overcoming a groin injury but Newcastle’s visit will come too soon for Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Achilles).
Chelsea possible XI (4-3-3): Kepa, Azpilicueta, Tomori, Zouma, Alonso; Barkley, Jorginho, Mount; Willian, Abraham, Hudson-Odoi.
Head to Head record (H2H)
These sides have met on 48 occasions during the Premier League era, with just a dozen of those matches ending in a draw.
Chelsea have 24 victories to their name – 17 of which have been at home – with Newcastle having won only once at Stamford Bridge.
That came back in 2012 when Papiss Cisse scored twice in a 2-0 win for the Magpies.
Betting tips and odds
Match odds
- Chelsea at 3/10
- Draw at 9/2
- West Ham at 10/1
Correct score
| Scoreline | Chelsea win | Newcastle win | Draw |
| 1-0 | 6/1 | 22/1 | 0-0 (14/1) |
| 2-0 | 11/2 | 55/1 | 1-1 (9/1) |
| 2-1 | 13/2 | 22/1 | 2-2 (17/1) |
| 3-0 | 15/2 | 150/1 |
Odds provided by Betfair. Click here to place a bet.
Prediction
Live stream details and TV channel information
This match will not televised on streamed live in the UK. You can follow the match LIVE in Standard Sport's match blog.
