Newcastle vs. Chelsea: Date, Time, Live Stream, TV Info and Preview
League leaders Chelsea will put their unbeaten streak on the line when they travel to St. James' Park on Saturday, taking on a Newcastle United side who suddenly look vulnerable after their five-match win streak came to an end against West Ham United.
The hosts have collected just a single point from their last two matches and will want to return to winning ways, but that will be easier said than done against Jose Mourinho's men, who bagged their fourth consecutive clean sheet in the 3-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur.
With title contenders Manchester City and Manchester United both riding a win streak themselves, the Blues can't afford to slip up when they take on the Magpies on Saturday.
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Date: Saturday, Dec. 6
Time: 12.45 p.m. GMT/7:45 a.m. ET
Venue: St. James' Park, Newcastle
TV info and live stream: The match will be broadcast on BT Sport 1 (for UK viewers) and NBCSN (for U.S. viewers), with mobile coverage available via BT Sport's online player and NBC Sports' Live Extra app.
Preview
Both clubs will welcome back vital components to their squads on Saturday, with Diego Costa and Moussa Sissoko forced to serve one-game suspensions during midweek.
Chelsea did a phenomenal job coping with the absence of Costa, with veteran striker Didier Drogba recording a goal and an assist, while Loic Remy added a goal of his own when he replaced the Ivorian.
Newcastle couldn't replicate the Blues' success, as their midfield was clearly lacking Sissoko's influence during their disappointing 1-1 draw against Burnley. As reported by the Daily Star's Ian Murtagh, manager Alan Pardew expects the Frenchman to make up for his absence on Saturday:
"I think he does owe the team a little bit if I am honest. That sending off was needless and he would possibly be the first to admit that. Hopefully, he has learnt his lesson.
I know how thorough Mourinho is with his preparations and if there is one player he will be keeping a close eye on, it's Moussa.
That's because Moussa impacts the opposition in an offensive way. He has been absolutely superb for us and I am looking for a big game from him.
"
Sissoko is enjoying another fine season, with his consistently excellent performances even leading to transfer speculation, according to Murtagh. He should have freedom to roam on Saturday, too, as the Blues will be without the suspended Nemanja Matic.
The Serbia international has played every minute of the Premier League season so far, via WhoScored.com, a testament to how important he is for this team. Mourinho isn't worried about facing Newcastle without him, however, as shared by The Independent's Sam Wallace:
John Obi Mikel received some playing time in the Blues' convincing win over Spurs on Wednesday, replacing Cesc Fabregas, and as shared by the club's Twitter feed, he's the likely replacement for Matic:
The Magpies would love nothing more than to become the first blemish on Chelsea's record, but given the makeup of their team, it certainly won't be easy.
Pardew's squad has managed to win matches on the back of their defensive fortitude—their 15 goals scored are significantly fewer than the other teams vying for the Europa League spots, per WhoScored.
Counting the 5-0 thrashing of Schalke 04 in the UEFA Champions League, the Blues haven't conceded in four matches, via The Independent's Joe Krishnan:
Their 33 goals scored also leads the league, and the returning Costa will only add to Chelsea's attacking riches.
Winning the battle in midfield will be key for the hosts, and with Matic sitting this one out, a rested Sissoko gives the Magpies a chance. If he can impose his will on Mikel and force Fabregas to aid his team-mate in defending the Frenchman, it will greatly impact the Spaniard's ability to direct the Blues' attack.
Chelsea have been at their very best this season when Fabregas has space to operate in, relying on Matic to clean up behind him. Pushing the Spain international out of his comfort zone will be Newcastle's best shot at causing an upset.
Final prediction: Newcastle United 1-1 Chelsea
