Preview: Newcastle United vs. Chelsea – team news, lineups, prediction, live stream

Indeed, a record of seven wins, six draws and one defeat has seen Eddie Howe’s side collect 27 points from their 14 Premier League games, which has left them in third position in the table.

The Magpies have also managed to progress to the fourth round of the EFL Cup, beating fellow Premier League side Crystal Palace on penalties following a goalless draw at St James’ Park on Wednesday night.

Graham Potter has managed to lead the Blues into the knockout round of the Champions League, with the capital giants finishing top of Group E ahead of AC Milan, boasting a record of 13 points from six matches.

The four-game winless run has seen the capital giants slide down into seventh position in the table, six points behind Newcastle ahead of this match, although they have a game in hand on Howe’s side, and a victory this weekend would still leave them in a relatively good position heading into the break.

Chelsea have won each of their last four Premier League games against Newcastle, including a 3-0 victory at St James’ Park last October, but it would be fair to say that the Magpies are a completely different side at this moment in time, and it is sure to be a tough examination for the six-time English champions.

Newcastle will again be missing Alexander Isak, Ryan Fraser, Matt Ritchie, Emil Krafth and Paul Dummett on Saturday evening through injury.

As expected, Howe made a number of changes for the EFL Cup clash with Palace on Wednesday, but the likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Kieran Trippier, Sven Botman, Miguel Almiron, Joe Willock and Fabian Schar will all be back in the starting side for this contest.

Joelinton missed out against Southampton in the league last weekend through suspension, but the Brazilian is available for this match and is expected to get the nod over Jacob Murphy in the final third of the field.

Kepa Arrizabalaga is also unlikely to be involved due to a foot injury, while Jorginho remains a doubt with the problem that kept him out against Man City in the EFL Cup.

Potter will make alterations from Wednesday’s affair, with Raheem Sterling, Mason Mount, Kai Havertz, Thiago Silva and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang all set to come back in.

Chelsea could switch to a back four for this match, with Cesar Azpilicueta coming in at right-back, while Trevoh Chalobah could get the nod alongside Thiago Silva in the middle.