The Gameweek begins at St James’ Park where Newcastle’s season is thrust in front of the glare of the cameras once again, this time to face Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea. The visitors turn up fresh from their dramatic at the death victory against City last weekend and a 2-0 Capital One Cup tie triumph at Arsenal. The Magpies, meanwhile, are still smarting from their Tyne-Wear derby defeat at the hands of Fabio Borini’s wonder strike.
Both sides make two changes to their lineups. Alan Pardew again drops Hatem Ben Arfa to the bench having recalled him against Liverpool back in Gameweek 8. That decision will surely sound the Fantasy death knell for the Frenchman, who has seen a rapid decline in ownership since being dropped at Cardiff in Gameweek 7. Shola Ameobi is drafted in up front, whilst at the back Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa is recalled following suspension with the injured Paul Dummett dropping out.
As for Chelsea, their changes will take some by surprise. David Luiz starts in defence, despite losing his start against City and turning out in the Capital One Cup in midweek – Gary Cahill is dropped to the bench. Further forward, Juan Mata’s midweek performance is another to win him a league start. Andre Schurrle makes way and is on the Chelsea bench along with Willian and Samuel Eto’o.
Our Dugout Discussion chatroom is now open to cover your real-time requirements for this early kick-off in the North East and will remain open over the course of the day’s three o’clock matches, right through to Arsenal’s encounter with Liverpool at the Emirates.
