We’re only six games into the new Premier League season and already pressure is mounting on Newcastle United boss Steve McClaren. He’s tried sitting up in the stands, he’s tried sitting down on the bench, and still nothing is going his way. The Magpies have picked up just two points so far, and were plunged ever deeper into crisis by a defeat to Championship opponents Sheffield Wednesday in the Capital One Cup in midweek.
Chelsea vs. Newcastle 2015 live stream: Start time, TV schedule and how to watch online
Steve McClaren’s side are hoping to avoid a fifth straight defeat in all competitions.
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Unfortunately for the Magpies, things are set to go from bad to worse this weekend when José Mourinho’s Chelsea come to town. It has certainly not been smooth sailing for the Blues so far either, but heading into this game on the back of three wins in all competitions -- including a 2-0 league victory at home to Arsenal -- it seems like they’re finally finding their rhythm. Anything other than a win for Mourinho’s men would come as a big surprise.
Key matchup: Florian Thauvin (Newcastle) vs. Branislav Ivanović (Chelsea)
Newcastle's summer signing Florian Thauvin has largely failed to impress out on the wing so far, though he'll look to take advantage of the recent struggles of Chelsea right back Branislav Ivanović in this match. It has been a horrible start to the season for the Serbian, with the darkest day coming when he was consistently ripped apart by Swansea City's Jefferson Montero. He'll be hoping he fares better against the slightly easier competition of Thauvin.
Recent history
Contrary to what you may expect, Newcastle actually have a pretty good record against Chelsea. They've won their last three games at home against the Blues, and you must go all the way back to December 2011 for the last time Chelsea won when traveling to St. James' Park: a 3-0 victory with goals from Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou and Daniel Sturridge.
Newcastle United injuries and suspensions
Out: Emmanuel Rivière (knee), Curtis Good (hip), Paul Dummett (knee), Steven Taylor (hamstring), Karl Darlow (ankle/foot), Massadio Haïdara (knee), Papiss Cissé (back). In doubt: Sylvain Marveaux (groin), Cheick Tioté (knee), Jack Colback, Rolando Aarons (calf), Daryl Janmaat (illness).
Chelsea injuries and suspensions
Out: Thibaut Courtois (knee), Diego Costa (suspended). In doubt: Willian (hamstring).
Newcastle have an injury list so big it’s possible to come up with a Magpies Unavailable XI. McClaren could be without a string of his most important players, making things look all the more bleak for his side. Chelsea will be without goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and suspended striker Diego Costa, though Brazilian winger Willian faces a late fitness test.
Match Date/Time: Saturday, 12:30 p.m. ET, 5:30 p.m. local
Venue: St. James’ Park, Newcastle, England
TV: NBCSN (U.S. - English), NBC Universo (U.S. - Spanish), Sportsnet One (Canada), Sky Sports 1/HD (U.K.)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S. - English), NBC Deportes En Vivo Extra (U.S. - Spanish), Sportsnet World Now (Canada), Sky Go (U.K.)
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