Sean Longstaff admits that he is still trying to rediscover the same rhythm that won him so many plaudits last season.
The midfielder rose to prominence thanks to a string of high-profile performances in the Premier League, amid a midfield injury crisis for Newcastle.
But this season he has been hindered by a recovery from last term's knee injury and a fresh ankle issue.
However, he produced a much more familiar display in the 1-0 win against Manchester United before the international break and goes into the clash at Chelsea aiming for more.
He told the Chronicle: "It's been tough as I was out for a while.
"I've come back in after being out the team, then got injured again.
"So I haven't really had a chance to get my rhythm, or even get a feel for the game.
"I set high standards for myself and everybody around me knows that.
"Before Man United I hadn't been up to them."
Now Longstaff hopes he can find some momentum after the Man United game, and reflected: "It's been disappointing.
"But against Man United was the best I felt for a while.
"It helped having Matty (Longstaff) there too."
