Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Newcastle Utd v Chelsea FC
By Tyne-Talk February 1 2013
Newcastle United host Chelsea tomorrow afternoon on the back of one win, four defeats and a draw from their last six games. Chelsea who are third in the Premier League, travel on the back of two wins and four draws from their last six games
Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew gave club debuts to Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, Moussa Sissoko and Yoan Gouffran, all of whom he has signed in the last two weeks, in their midweek game against Aston Villa. Tomorrow they could all make their home debuts at St James’ Park.
Steven Taylor and Yohan Cabaye both returned from injuries in midweek to pick up 90 minutes each.
Pardew is without Hatem Ben Arfa (hamstring), Danny Simpson (toe), Dan Gosling (knee), Haris Vuckic (knee) and Ryan Taylor (knee). Cheik Tiote is also unavailable as he is on International duty at the African Cup of Nations.
Sylvain Marveaux (ankle) and Gabriel Obertan (knock) are both expected to return having missed out in midweek.
Chelsea manager Rafa Benitez is expected to start with Demba Ba ahead of Fernando Torres, if not for the desire that Ba has to play against his former club, then because Torres has produced very little without Ba’s involvement over the last few games.
John Terry was left on the bench in midweek, after recovering from injury, but will be expecting to play some part against Newcastle.
Chelsea are without David Luiz (ankle), but Cech (calf) and Mata (ankle) are fit, despite picking up minor injuries in midweek. Eden Hazard is also unavailable as he serves the final of a three match ban for kicking the ball-boy against Swansea last month.
Fans are expected to reflect the welcome that the French players found in the club café earlier this week, when they had a French theme to the cuisine. Sissoko referred to the support from the travelling fans earlier today when he recalled the flags flown at Villa Park in midweek, but that is likely to be nothing compared to their reception at St James Park.
Newcastle held their win in midweek, but have been guilty of quickly giving away a clean sheet and then conceding goals late into the second half. Chelsea on the other hand are having a good season when it comes to points, but are hit and miss as to which team is going to show up on the day to perform. Demba Ba hasn’t stepped off the gas since moving to London and has scored 3 goals in the 4 games he has started at the club. In the four games he has been brought on as a substitute after 80minutes he has assisted in one goal.
Fact: Newcastle picked up their first win is six games in midweek.
Fact: Frank Lampard has scored nine goals in eleven starts this season for Chelsea.
Fact: Chelsea have conceded just one goal in their last five trips to St James Park.
Newcastle United
Chelsea FC
24
Played
24
24
Points
46
6
Won
13
12
Lost
4
6
Drawn
7
30
Goals Scored
49
42
Goals Conceded
24
Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Newcastle Utd v Chelsea FC
Posted by: TyneTalk (IP Logged)
Date: 01/02/2013 17:44
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So happy I was following on Sky flicking to and from the rugby. Let's hope Phil Thompson does our games every week that's two in a row. I'm looking forward to work on Monday for a change,especially living where I do in Surrey.
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