Premier League: Chelsea v Newcastle United match preview

A quick look at this weekend's Premier League match at Stamford Bridge

Jose Mourinho looks on from the touchline (PA)

Jose Mourinho has been labelled ‘a tactical genius’ following his side’s impressive win against Manchester City at the Etihad. Even though he downplayed his side being title contenders, the ‘little horse’ will want to follow on from Monday’s crucial win to continue his side’s pursuit for the title.

The news of Joe Kinnear resigning from his post as Director of Football is the only silver lining Newcastle fans can take from this week. The former manager failed to sign a single player on a permanent basis during his time at the club. Newcastle fans will want a reaction following last Saturday’s humiliating 3-0 defeat to arch rivals Sunderland.

After impressing on his full Premier League debut at City, January signing Nemanja Matic looks set to start again in a defensive midfield role, whereas Newcastle are still without Loic Remy and new on-loan signing striker Luke De Jong could make his debut.

KICK-OFF: Saturday, 3pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Newcastle 2 (Gouffran, Remy), Chelsea 0, Premier League, November 2013

Newcastle 3 (Gutierrez, Sissoko x2), Chelsea 2 (Lampard, Mata), Premier League February 2013

Chelsea 2 (Hazard, Torres), Newcastle 0, Premier League, August 2012

STATS…

Chelsea have the best defensive record, only conceding 20 goals so far

Newcastle have only won 1 out of the last 5

Newcastle have only won 19% of games with Yohan Cabaye playing

Chelsea only concede 10 shots per game, second lowest in the league

Tim Krul and Moussa Sissoko have featured in every game for Newcastle this season

The Blues have kept 6 clean sheets in their last 7 games

Chelsea are still unbeaten in 72 Premier League at Stamford Bridge under Jose Mourinho

Eden Hazard embarks on 3.8 successful dribbles a game, second highest in the league behind Andros Townsend

ODDS…

Chelsea to win: 1.22

Newcastle to win: 15

Draw: 5.5

CLASSIC MOMENT/MATCH

Pappis Cisse scored a goal that defied physics at Stamford Bridge in May 2012, to give Newcastle a 2-0 win. For his second goal on the night, the Senegalese striker lashed a outside of the foot effort that swirled over Petr Cech and found it’s way into the corner of the net.

TV: Highlights on Match of The Day on BBC1 at 10.30pm.