Chelsea vs Newcastle preview

Team news, key stats and predictions ahead of Chelsea vs Newcastle in the Premier League.

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Team news

N'Golo Kante (groin) is out injured for Chelsea with Andreas Christensen joining him on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, with both players picking them up on international duty. Mateo Kovacic is back in training and fit to feature, as is Ross Barkley.

Antonio Rudiger continues his rehabilitation as is now training outside, but will still be sidelined for the next few weeks.

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Newcastle are nearing a fully-fit squad, with only Matt Ritchie and Florian Lejeune missing out this weekend through injury.

Matty Longstaff could make his second Premier League start after his winning goal against Manchester United before the international break, potentially lining up alongside brother Sean in midfield.

How to follow and watch

Follow the action with our dedicated live blog. Highlights of the game will be published at 5.15pm on the Sky Sports website and app plus the Sky Sports Football YouTube channel.

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Opta stats

• Chelsea have won their last six Premier League home games against Newcastle, scoring 17 goals and conceding three.
• Chelsea have won just 36 per cent of their Premier League points in home games this season (5/14), the third-lowest ratio in the division. In a complete Premier League campaign, the lowest percentage of points won in home games the Blues have had is 47 per cent (39/83 in 2008-09).
• Newcastle are looking to secure back-to-back Premier League victories for the first time since April. Both of their wins this season have been by a 1-0 scoreline and against 'big six' opposition.
• Newcastle manager Steve Bruce has won just one of his 21 Premier League meetings with Chelsea (D5 L15), though this did come at Stamford Bridge in November 2010 (3-0 with Sunderland).

Charlie's prediction

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This is everybody's banker of the weekend, but Newcastle have gone to Tottenham and won, which people questioned. They then beat Manchester United at home but it wasn't sensational. Steve Bruce will be saying that this is a free swing.

Chelsea have the youngsters and are playing well, but they will have a roller-coaster season, which is what I said from the start. These are the games that it took Liverpool years to overcome - these teams sit in and don't threaten, but try to frustrate.

Newcastle do this and they did it at Tottenham, this is the type of team they are. Chelsea will get there, but I don't see them dominating unless they score in the first 10 minutes - I see it being tight.

CHARLIE PREDICTS: 2-1 (8/1 with Sky Bet)

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