Premier League: Newcastle vs Chelsea match preview

A look ahead to this week’s Premier League fixture at the St James’ Park

Newcastle stand in the way of Chelsea’s pursuit of a new club record of 24 matches unbeaten in all competitions, though the Blues’ record on Tyneside offers only slight hope.

Jose Mourinho’s side have only won three of their last ten Premier League fixtures at St James’ Park, though they arrive in breathtaking form this season.

Chelsea's 295-mile journey to Newcastle offers one of their sternest away trips of this campaign, so if they pass Saturday’s test, Mourinho’s side may well be on their way to an invincible season.

KICK OFF: Saturday, 12.45pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Chelsea 3 (Hazard 3) Newcastle 0, Premier League, February 2014.

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

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

STATS…

Head to head record: 51 Newcastle wins, 39 draws, 65 Chelsea wins.

Newcastle are unbeaten in five matches at St James’ Park since losing to Manchester City on the opening day.

If the Blues avoid defeat, they will set a new club record of 24 matches unbeaten in all competitions.

Chelsea have won 11 and only lost two of their 17 away Premier League games in 2014.

ODDS…

Newcastle to win: 7.4

Chelsea to win: 1.55

Draw: 4.3

TV: Live on BT Sport1 at 12:45, Highlights on BBC1 at 10:20pm