After a week of being the centre of attention with the news of Roman Abramovich’s assets being frozen by the government, Thomas Tuchel will be hoping that his men can put that to the back of their minds as they meet an inform Newcastle United side.

Both sides come into this game winning their last three games. Chelsea will be looking to confirm their place in next season’s Champions League while Eddie Howe’s newly reformed Newcastle side will be looking to stretch even further away from relegation.

The Blues enjoyed a comfortable 3-0 win at St James’ Park back in October last year, courtesy of a Reece James double and a Jorginho penalty.

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Team News

The biggest injury concern for Chelsea is that Reece James, who has only just returned from a spell on the sidelines, is set to be missing with a muscle injury picked up against Norwich.

James’ fellow wing back Ben Chilwell continues his recovery on a knee injury he picked up at the back end of last year.

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Cesar Azpilicueta and Christian Pulisic have been in a race to be fit for the Premier League clash as they both missed Chelsea’s trip to Norwich due to illness.

Form Guide

Chelsea are enjoying a fine run of form as the Blues’ defeat on penalties to Liverpool is their only loss in ten games, winning the other nine.

As for Eddie Howe’s side, they haven’t lost since their disappointing FA Cup exit to Cambridge United at the start of January.

Only Liverpool (22) have won more points in the Premier League than Newcastle (20) in 2022 thus far, highlighting that Chelsea will have to be at their best if they want to secure all three points.

Previous Meetings 

It’s a fixture that swings into Chelsea’s favour over recent encounters with the Blues winning six of the last seven meetings between the two teams.

Chelsea haven’t conceded to Newcastle since January 2020 highlighting their dominance in this fixture over recent times.

Where to watch on TV

The match will be broadcasted on Sky Sports Ultra HD, Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League.

Kick-off: 2pm Sunday 13th March

What the managers have said

Tuchel is unsure on how Stamford Bridge will feel with only season ticket holders allowed in attendance. He said, “we cannot sell tickets at the minute so I’m not sure what it will feel like, if it will not be totally full.”

He added, “At the moment, we try to have the focus right and the attitude right. The guys do this in a very impressive way and we need this on Sunday."

Eddie Howe was full of praise for Thomas Tuchel and Chelsea ahead of kick-off, "They have a top manager and I have a huge amount of respect for Thomas Tuchel. He has done an incredible job. We're going to need to be at our very best at a stadium where we know the size of the task."

 

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