Squad sheets: Chelsea v Newcastle United

It is too soon to tell what Chelsea will take from the season, but the departure of Didier Drogba could lead to greater variety in attack. Fernando Torres might now impose himself more, even if he was lucky not to have his goal disallowed for offside against Reading. The newcomer Eden Hazard had a great impact and there may be scope for him once again. Newcastle drew with Atromitos in a Europa League play-off in Greece a mere two days before this match and Alan Pardew is bound to change the lineup markedly for this match. Kevin McCarra
Venue Stamford Bridge, Saturday 5.30pm

 

Chelsea v Newcastle United: Probable starters in bold, contenders in light. Photograph: Graphic

Chelsea

Subs from Hilário, Turnbull, Essien, Oscar, Azpilicueta, Romeu, Bertrand, Benayoun, Sturridge, Malouda, Meireles, Ferreira
Doubtful David Luiz (knee)
Injured Marin (hamstring, 2 Sep), Terry (neck, 2 Sep)
Suspended None
Form guide WW
Disciplinary record Y2 R0
Leading scorers Ivanovic, Lampard 2

Newcastle

Subs from Elliot, Harper, Williamson, R Taylor, Perch, Tavernier, Bigirimana, Amalfitano, Anita, Obertan, Marveaux, Gosling, Sammy Ameobi, Shola Ameobi
Doubtful Shola Ameobi (hamstring), Ba (shin), Coloccini (thigh), Tioté (calf)
Injured None
Suspended None
Form guide W
Disciplinary record Y2 R0
Leading scorers Ba, Ben Arfa 1

Match pointers

• Newcastle ended a run of 18 league games without a victory at Chelsea with their 2-0 win here last season

• Eden Hazard has scored 11 goals and assisted 12 in his last 16 appearances for Lille and Chelsea combined

• Only Manchester City (47) and Manchester United (44) have picked up more points than Newcastle (38) in 2012

• No defender has scored more top-flight goals since 2010-11 than Branislav Ivanovic (nine)

• Newcastle have scored a total of 998 goals in the Premier League since 1992