By CFC Unofficial (Debs) (Chelsea 3 Aston Villa 0) , via Wikimedia CommonsChelsea FC are hosting the team that handed the Blues their first defeat of the season Saturday, as Newcastle United come to Stamford Bridge for a Premier League fixture. The Blues remain on top of the Premier League, but only because of the way the English alphabet works. Chelsea and Manchester City are level on points, and Premier League rules show the Blues ahead thanks to that nifty letter C to start the club’s name.
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The Blues are hoping to return to winning ways in the Premier League following some disappoint results with the draw at Southampton and the poor showing in a loss to rival Spurs. It won’t be as easy as a visit from say, Leicester City or Burnley, but Chelsea will be favored against the Toon Army. The Tyneside club are 10th in the Premier League at the moment, but are also looking to return to winning form after 3 losses in their last 6 matches. They do so without former manager Alan Pardew, who left the Toon to manager Crystal Palace.
Chelsea FC manager Jose Mourinho was sanctioned by the Football Association for his comments following the Southampton match where he criticized the referee for his refusal to award a clear penalty to Chelsea. Mourinho’s comments about there being a campaign against the Blues earned him an official sanction. Mourinho has until January 13th to respond to the FA’s charge.
"Jose Mourinho has been charged by The FA for misconduct in relation to media comments he made following Chelsea’s game against Southampton on 28 December 2014. It is alleged his remarks constitute improper conduct in that they allege and/or imply bias on the part of a referee or referees and/or bring the game into disrepute.- The Football Association."
The Blues should be fully fit ahead of the clash, which means we should see the usual starting XI trotted out for the Stamford Bridge faithful. Newcastle top keeper Tim Krul could make his return to the side in his first match since a November ankle injury sidelined him.
Chelsea FC Team News
The Blues have a clean bill of health for this match, the lingering injury or fitness concerns to Ramires seem to be over, and everyone else should be all clear. Chelsea need to win this match to keep on pace with rivals Manchester City, who will travel to face Everton at Goodison Park. A good showing in a clean sheet and a goal from Kurt Zouma might see the youngster starting against Newcastle, given how poor the defense prior to Watford against Spurs.
Chelsea FC Predicted Starting XI
————————–Courtois—————————
—Ivanovic———–Zouma——-JT———Azpilicueta
—————Fabregas————-Matic————–
—-Willian————-Oscar———-Hazard——-
—————————Costa————————-
Predicted Result
Chelsea FC 2-1 Newcastle United.
The Blues should return to winning ways in the League against the Toon Army. Newcastle are skilled, but the Blues excellent showing against Watford should inspire them to victory against Newcastle as well.
UTC!