Unbeaten Premier League table-toppers Chelsea will provisionally extend their six-point lead over Manchester City if they pick up anything in Saturday's early kickoff. They travel to play a Newcastle United side that has been in bizarrely erratic form so far this season, with Alan Pardew's side just three points behind Arsenal -- despite having a pretty disastrous first few games.
Newcastle United vs. Chelsea live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch the EPL online
Inconsistent Newcastle welcome league leaders Chelsea to St. James’ Park in Saturday’s early Premier League encounter.
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Suffice to say, Chelsea head in as favourites. José Mourinho's team are still looking every bit the strongest outfit in the division, steamrollering Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 in midweek despite the absence of star striker Diego Costa. However, given how amusingly inconsistent their hosts have been this season, we maybe, just maybe, could be in for a surprise.
Key player - Diego Costa (Chelsea)
There is only one striker in the league at the moment who seems seriously capable of challenging Manchester City's Sergio Agüero for the top scorer prize, and that's Chelsea frontman Diego Costa. The Spanish international has scored 11 times in as many league games this season, with the former Atlético Madrid man striking fear into the hearts of defenders all over the country. Watch out, Newcastle.
Key matchup - Rob Elliott vs. Chelsea's shots on goal
Newcastle head into this game without first-choice goalkeeper Tim Krul, who picked up an ankle injury in training ahead of their recent defeat to West Ham. Alas, their backup, Rob Elliott, is nowhere near as solid as the Dutchman he's standing in for, so Newcastle will have to pray he's on one of his better days. After all, if you're going to beat one of the strongest teams in the league, you're probably going to have to weather a few storms along the way.Soc
Newcastle United injuries and suspensions
Out: Sammy Ameobi (hamstring), Davide Santon, Ryan Taylor (knee), Gabriel Obertan, Siem de Jong (thigh), Tim Krul (ankle). In doubt: Rolando Aarons (hamstring), Fabricio Coloccini (calf), Mike Williamson (knock).
Chelsea injuries and suspensions
Out: Nathan Aké (hamstring), Ramires (thigh), Nemanja Matić (suspended). In doubt: None.
Newcastle will be without a string of important first-teamers, with the latest addition to their lengthy injury list being goalkeeper Krul, who will be out for up to six weeks after picking up an ankle injury. Chelsea’s biggest miss will be holding midfielder Nemanja Matić, who is sidelined through suspension for this match.
Match Date/Time: Saturday, 12:45 p.m. local, 7:45 a.m. ET
Venue: St. James’ Park, Newcastle, England
TV: NBCSN, Mun2, Directv (U.S.), Sportsnet regional networks, BT Sport 1 (U.K.)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S. - English), Deportes Telemundo En Vivo Extra (U.S. - Spanish)
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