Preview: Newcastle vs Chelsea

Troubled Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas takes his squad to Newcastle for Saturday afternoon's early afternoon kick off, with the Blues desperate to turn their stuttering Premier League form around. Should Newcastle inflict defeat on Chelsea it will be a very long journey back south for underfire AVB, who saw his side defeated to Liverpool in the Carling Cup during midweek.

Andre Villas-Boas has two crucial matches ahead as he firstly takes on Newcastle today and then Man City; so the Portuguese coach knows that the next two games are absolutely critical in the chase for the Premier League leaders.


Newcastle have been unable to beat Chelsea since 2003, so form seems to follow the Blues for this game; but amazingly Chelsea have lost 5 from their last 9 games in all competitions.


Newcastle are having their most successful Premier League season since 1996-1997, and a victory today against Chelsea will kick start their unlikely title prospects.


TEAMS
Cheick Tiote will miss out with injury for today's match, Sylvain Marveux also remains out of the side.
John Terry returns to action after missing the midweek match against Liverpool.


EYEFOOTBALL PREDICTION
Newcastle 2-3 Chelsea

FIRST GOALSCORER
Juan Mata