Preview: Newcastle United vs. Chelsea

Newcastle United host Chelsea on Saturday afternoon on the back of their first league victory in six matches.

The Magpies recorded a 2-1 victory away at Aston Villa in midweek to take them four points clear of the Premier League relegation zone.

Manager Alan Pardew handed starts to his recently-acquired French players Moussa Sissoko and Yoan Gouffran on Tuesday night and both are expected to retain their place against Chelsea.

Chelsea are unbeaten in six matches, but manager Rafael Benitez will be disappointed with his side's recent form.

The European champions have squandered two-goal leads in recent weeks against Southampton and Reading respectively and Benitez will be hoping that the Stamford Bridge outfit can return to winning ways on Saturday.

Demba Ba could return to the starting lineup to face his old club, while John Terry could start after being relegated to the substitutes' bench against Reading on Wednesday night.

Recent form

Newcastle United: LLLDLW

Chelsea: WDWDDD

Possible starting lineups:

Newcastle United: Krul; Coloccini, Santon, Debuchy, S.Taylor; Perch, Cabaye, Sissoko, Gutierrez, Gouffran; Cisse

Chelsea: Turnbull; Ivanovic, Cole, Cahill, Terry; Bertrand, Ramires, Lampard, Mata, Oscar; Ba

Sports Mole says: 1-2