The Blues are set to travel to the St James Park this weekend to face Newcastle, and Chelsea boss Frank Lampard will be hoping for a third consecutive victory in all competitions for the first time since October.
Newcastle United are currently 13th in the Premier League, but the Magpies are suffering a huge injury crisis ahead of this game.
However, pundit Charlie Nicholas has told Magpies boss Steve Bruce to approach this game like he’s playing away from home as he expects Chelsea to be too strong for them.
“I have never seen injuries like it at Newcastle,” Charlie Nicholas told Sky Sports. “It may have been Rochdale but Steve Bruce wanted his side to get through. He is not particularly fighting a relegation battle but how things could materialise could mean that they end up doing so. There is still a lot of work to done.
“Newcastle are sitting on 26 points and may need 40 to survive – we are looking at around four wins and two draws. They may have to play this like an away game.
“The fans will not like it but they are down to the bare bones. Chelsea are strong away from home and can hit on the counter-attack if Newcastle leave that option open.
“Chelsea will want to keep the gap to Wolves, Manchester United, Sheffield United, Tottenham and Arsenal. They will not want to go too inconsistent, as they will be concerned again.” Nicholas has backed Chelsea to win this game 3-1 away from home.