Chelsea vs Newcastle as it happened: Eden Hazard inspire comeback victory as champions close gap
Relive the drama from Saturday's Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge
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Chelsea boss Antonio Conte believes England may require some insider information to keep Eden Hazard quiet at next summer's World Cup.
Hazard should be part of the Belgium team who face the Three Lions after the nations were paired in Group G in Friday's draw, along with Tunisia and Panama.
The 26-year-old stole the show as he returned to the Chelsea side to score twice as the reigning Premier League champions came from behind to beat Newcastle 3-1 on Saturday.
Dwight Gayle had given Newcastle a shock lead as Rafael Benitez returned to Stamford Bridge for the first time since his acrimonious six-month tenure as Blues boss in 2013.
But Chelsea hit back as Hazard levelled with a smart finish and wrapped up the points with a deft 'Panenka' penalty after Alvaro Morata had headed in to give Conte's side the lead at the interval.
Relive the drama below...
What time does it start?
The game kicks off at 12.30pm on Saturday 2 December at Stamford Bridge.
Where can I watch it?
The game will be broadcast on Sky Sports Premier League. Coverage starts at 11.30am.
It’s a big game for…
Rafa Benitez. That Newcastle have won just one game from their last nine fixtures makes for a worrying read. Nonetheless, the spirit showed by the Magpies on Tuesday night suggests Benitez still has his players all pulling in the same direction – despite the nature of some results. Even a point against Chelsea on Saturday would be considered a positive outcome for Newcastle – anything else, though, would simply add to the concern at St James’ Park.
Remember when…
Chelsea stormed past Newcastle to send Steve McClaren’s side into the relegation zone in February 2016? The hosts romped to a 5-1 victory at the Bridge, with Pedro notably grabbing a brace.
Player to watch…
Eden Hazard. The Belgian was rested for the Swansea game but is likely to return for Saturday’s clash against Newcastle. When on form, Hazard looks unstoppable and brings a real energy to this Chelsea side that, on occasion, goes missing in his absence. With the Magpies struggling to keep clean sheets at the moment, the 26-year-old will be relishing Saturday’s game.
Head to head…
Chelsea 5 Newcastle United 1, Premier League, February 2016
Newcastle United 2 Chelsea 2, Premier League, September 2015
Chelsea 2 Newcastle United 0, Premier League, January 2015
Form guide…
Chelsea: WDWWWL
Newcastle: DLLLLW
Odds…
Chelsea to win: 1/5
Draw: 11/2
Newcastle United: 14/1
Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of Chelsea vs Newcastle, which kicks-off a busy day of Premier League action.
Liam Corless will be here shortly to bring you the team news and build-up, ahead of minute-by-minute coverage of the match itself.
Will Chelsea pick up the win they need to draw level on points with Manchester United in second place or will visitors Newcastle stun the champions at Stamford Bridge?
Team news to follow in just five minutes!
Chelsea vs Newcastle team news
Chelsea starting XI: Courtois; Azpilicueta, Christensen, Rudiger; Moses, Kante, Drinkwater, Fabregas, Alonso; Hazard, Morata
Subs: Caballero, Zappacosta, Cahill, Bakayoko, Willian, Pedro, Batshuayi
Newcastle starting XI: Darlow; Manquillo, Clark, Lejeune, Mbemba; Ritchie, Merino, Diame, Murphy; Perez, Gayle
Subs: Elliot, Yedlin, Hayden, Shelvey, Aarons, Joselu, Mitrovic
Chelsea vs Newcastle - last five meetings
- Chelsea 5-1 Newcastle, February 2016 (Premier League)
- Newcastle 2-2 Chelsea, September 2015 (Premier League)
- Chelsea 2-0 Newcastle, January 2015 (Premier League)
- Newcastle 2-1 Chelsea, December 2014 (Premier League)
- Chelsea 3-0 Newcastle, February 2014 (Premier League)
Souness sings Christensen's praises
"He was fabulous against Spurs at the start of the season. He didn't look overawed. He's confident enough.
"There's a lot to like about him and at 21 he can only get better.
"He looks to have a good understanding of the game. He senses danger."
Quotes from Sky Sports
Pre-match quotes from Antonio Conte
On making four changes to the team that beat Swansea on Wednesday: "It's normal to have rotations. The most important thing is to make the best decision in every game."
On the challenge of facing Rafa Benitez in the Newcastle dugout: "Rafa is a really good manager. I know him very well because we played a lot of games when he was in Italy and I was the coach of Juventus and Rafa was the coach of Napoli. He's a good coach and Newcastle are a really good team and for sure this game will not be easy."
Quotes from Sky Sports
Just 10 minutes to go until kick-off at the Bridge, where Chelsea can go joint-second with a win over the visiting Magpies.
4' - Newcastle have started brightly here. The visitors are yet to test Thibaut Courtois but they've seen plenty of the ball in the opening stages.
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