Steve Bruce was clearly trying to make light ahead of Newcastle's next trip to the capital when he described it as a "nice easy one".
Thomas Tuchel is yet to lose a game since taking over after four wins and a draw for the ex-Borussia Dortmund boss.
He rotated his squad for the FA Cup fifth-round tie at Oakwell against Barnsley which means his team will still be relatively fresh for the Monday night football clash.
Lee Ryder's prediction
It's early days for Chelsea under Tuchel but already we've seen different qualities from his team in his first few matches - and most importantly a response after he replaced the popular figure of Frank Lampard.
Chelsea shut Tottenham out away from home and showed their battling qualities at Sheff United, as well as negotiating a tricky cup test at Barnsley.
Tuchel hit the ground running as he took training within hours of getting the job and the Blues are now back in top-four contention and still in the hunt in the FA Cup and Champions League.
Tuchel will have taken a cold hard look at Newcastle and focus on United's weaknesses.
I definitely think the Magpies will give it a decent go at Stamford Bridge, but I can only see one winner, the men in blue.
Referee
Peter Bankes (Bootle)
Promoted to the Premier League in 2019 and has coped with the big step up to date.
Betting
Newcastle are 10/1 for the win at Stamford Bridge but a safer bet could be Allan Saint-Maximin as an anytime scorer at 6/1. With just one on the board this season - he's certainly due one and might fancy the big stage at the Bridge.
