PREM: Chelsea v Newcastle preview

Chelsea v Newcastle preview

Chelsea will look to end their barren spell in front of goal when Newcastle visit Stamford Bridge on Saturday

Maurizio Sarri's men failed to score at Wembley in their 1-0 defeat to Tottenham but, more worryingly, they are without a goal in two home games following the defeat to Leicester and goalless draw with Southampton. A failure to find the net against the Toon would be the first time since 1993 that the Blues have drawn a blank in three consecutive home games.

"We need to score, of course," Sarri said.

"We need to solve this problem because also in the last match we played I think very well with continuity and a very good offensive and defensive phase, with a great performance from the physical point of view the best of the season.

"But we didn't score so now we have this problem. We only have to work and try and solve it as soon as possible, I think."

Meanwhile, Newcastle have just won one of their last eight league games and have serious problems troubling the top six teams. They have lost nine games on the spin to the 'big six'.

 

Alvaro Morata is an injury doubt for Chelsea.

The Spanish striker missed Tuesday's Carabao Cup semi-final first leg with Tottenham with a minor hamstring problem.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek (back) is out and Cesc Fabregas will not be considered ahead of his likely move to Monaco.

 

Rafa Benitez is having to manage a growing injury list, with Federico Fernandez, Mohamed Diame and Jonjo Shelvey all doubts for the trip to Stamford Bridge