Chelsea v Newcastle
Venue: Stamford Bridge
Kick off: 4pm
Newcastle United caretaker boss, John Carver, insists he is not fazed by the challenge of visiting Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea on Saturday (today).
Carver has been thrust into the interim role following the departure of Alan Pardew, who was confirmed as the new Crystal Palace manager last weekend after the two Premier League clubs agreed a compensation package.
Despite disappointing in his two games in charge, a 3-3 draw with Burnley – which came as Pardew held discussions with Palace – and a 1-0 FA Cup third-round loss at Leicester City, Carver has made no secret of his desire to coach his hometown club on a permanent basis.
Newcastle’s 2-1 win over Chelsea at St James’ Park last month made it three consecutive home league successes against the title favourites, but it is different story on their travels to west London.
“We’re going up against one of the best sides – and best manager – in Europe, if not the world,” said Carver.
“We’ve got a good record against Chelsea and we have to use that to our advantage this weekend.
“It’ll be great standing in the technical area next to him. Hopefully he won’t bully me.
“I’m going to take it in my stride and I’m going to enjoy it, but I want to win.”
Chelsea have stuttered in the Premier League in recent weeks, with a draw at Southampton and a 5-3 defeat to Tottenham, leaving them with an identical record to second-placed Manchester City.
Chelsea have no injury concerns heading into the game.
Newcastle could be set to welcome first-choice goalkeeper, Tim Krul – out since November with an ankle problem – back into the starting XI after playing in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Thursday.
Krul’s deputy, Rob Elliot (thigh), is still out, along with Rolando Aarons (hamstring), Mehdi Abeid (toe), Ryan Taylor (knee), Steven Taylor (Achilles) and Siem de Jong and Gabriel Obertan (both thigh).
Sammy Ameobi has a knee complaint, while Cheick Tiote and Papiss Cisse are both away on Africa Cup of Nations duty.
It remains to be seen whether Fabricio Coloccini (buttock), Daryl Janmaat (groin) and Jack Colback and Moussa Sissoko (both hamstring) will be fit after missing the defeat to Leicester.