Chelsea have received a boost in their quest to secure a top four place in the Premier League.
Frank Lampard's side are currently fourth in the table, five points clear of Manchester United in fifth, with Spurs a futher point behind.
Chelsea's form in the league has been mixed of late, with wins against Arsenal and Spurs negatively affected by losses against Bournemouth and Southampton, as well as a draw against Brighton last time out.
Up next for the Blues are Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup, but following that next weekend they face Burnley in the league, and Newcastle United the week after.
Steve Bruce's side were in action in the FA Cup on Saturday afternoon against Rochdale, but fell to a 1-1 draw against the League One opposition.
Newcastle now face an FA Cup replay in the midweek before the clash against Chelsea at St. James' Park - following a difficult trip to face Wolves next Saturday.
The fixture congestion is mounting up for Steve Bruce's side - as well as a host of injury problems. Newcastle currently have as many as 12 players out injured, including key players Fabian Schar, Allan Saint-Maximin and Jonjo Shelvey.
Chelsea will need to pick up as many points as possible from their next run of fixtures, with games against Arsenal, Leicester, Manchester United and Spurs coming up before the end of February.
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