The long-awaited departure of Mike Ashley and prospect of a huge injection of Saudi Arabian investment have lifted spirits on Tyneside but have had little effect on Newcastle’s fortunes on the pitch. They remain winless in the Premier League although the 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace last weekend in Graeme Jones’s first game as temporary manager did at least offer a glimmer of hope, especially with Callum Wilson fit and firing again. Chelsea continue to be without their marquee striker in Romelu Lukaku but they did just fine without him in the 7-0 crushing of Norwich last Saturday. Stephen Hollis
Saturday 3pm
Venue St James’ Park
Last season Newcastle 0 Chelsea 2
Referee Paul Tierney
This season G7 Y26 R0 3.71 cards/game
Odds H 43-5 A 7-17 D 4-1
NEWCASTLE
Subs from Gillespie, Schär, Lewis, Joelinton, Murphy, Hendrick, Gayle, Anderson, White, Longstaff, Fernández
Doubtful None
Injured Dubravka (foot, unknown)
Suspended None
Discipline Y24 R1
Form LDDLLD
Leading scorer Wilson 4
CHELSEA
Subs from Arrizabalaga, Bettinelli, Chalobah, Alonso, Sarr, Baker, Christensen, Saúl, Loftus-Cheek, Ziyech, Barkley
Doubtful Azpilicueta (shoulder), Loftus-Cheek (thigh)
Injured Pulisic (ankle, 6 Nov), Kovacic (hamstring, 20 Nov), Lukaku (ankle, 20 Nov), Werner (hamstring, 20 Nov)
Suspended None
Discipline Y9 R1
Form WWLWWW
Leading scorers Lukaku, Mount 3
