Chelsea head to Newcastle on Sunday seeking to record a third successive Premier League victory under new boss Maurizio Sarri.
The Blues proved too strong for Huddersfield on the opening weekend, before edging out London rivals Arsenal in an entertaining derby at Stamford Bridge last time out.
Alvaro Morata was among the goals in that contest, providing a welcome boost to his confidence, while talismanic playmaker Eden Hazard has been impressing off the bench.
Rafa Benitez is now charged with the task of trying to contain the Belgian, with the Magpies returning to St James’ Park having taken one point from meetings with Tottenham and Cardiff.
| Game | Newcastle vs Chelsea |
| Date | Sunday, August 26 |
| Time | 4:00pm BST / 11:00am ET |
TV Channel, Live Stream & How To Watch
In the United States (US), the game will be shown on NBC Sports and streamed on the NBC Sports app.
| US TV channel | Online stream |
|---|---|
| NBC Sports | NBC Sports app |
In the United Kingdom (UK), the game can be watched live on Sky Sports Main Event and streamed through the Sky Go App.
| UK TV channel | Online stream |
|---|---|
| Sky Sports Main Event | Sky Go |
LIVE SCORECARD:
Squads & Team News
| Position | Newcastle squad |
|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | Dubravka, Elliot, Darlow |
| Defenders | Clark, Dummett, Lascelles, Manquillo, Yedlin, Sterry, Schar, Fernandez |
| Midfielders | Murphy, Shelvey, Diame, Ritchie, Atsu, Ki, Longstaff, Roberts |
| Forwards | Perez, Joselu, Muto, Rondon |
Kenedy has avoided retrospective action for his kick on Victor Camarasa in the 0-0 draw with Cardiff last weekend, but is still out of the match against Chelsea due to the terms of his loan deal.
Jamaal Lascelles and Jonjo Shelvey are missing for the hosts, while Isaac Hayden is suspended.
Newcastle XI:Â Dubravka; Yedlin, Schar, Fernandez, Clark, Dummett; Ritchie, Ki, Diame, Murphy; Rondon.
| Position | Chelsea squad |
|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | Kepa, Caballero, Green |
| Defenders | Rudiger, Alonso, Moses, Zappacosta, Cahill, Christensen, Azpilicueta, Luiz, Emerson, Ampadu |
| Midfielders | Kante, Drinkwater, Barkley, Loftus-Cheek, Jorginho, Kovacic |
| Forwards | Morata, Hazard, Pedro, Giroud, Willian, Hudson-Odoi, Abraham |
Eden Hazard takes his place in the starting XI for the first time this season after substitute appearances against Huddersfield and Arsenal as Willian drops to the bench. The Belgian will take his place in a front three that also includes Pedro and Alvaro Morata.
Cesc Fabregas is still out of action as he recovers from what Sarri describes as an “unusual injury” just below his knee and the Blues boss has opted for Mateo Kovacic, instead of Ross Barkley, in midfield alongside N’Golo Kante and Jorginho. The back five remains unchanged, with Kepa in goal and David Luiz partnering Antonio Rudiger in the heart of defence. Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso are at full-back.
Chelsea XI:Â Kepa; Azpilicueta, Luiz, Rudiger, Alonso; Kante, Jorginho, Kovacic; Pedro, Hazard; Morata.
