Newcastle United vs Chelsea

As expected, Curbishley does a favor to his idol 'Mr Amazing' Sir Alex as Manchester United rolls over West Ham United to create a 3 point gap at the top of the table. Curbishley certainly liked the superior brand of game United plays but his remarks and then his team's performance would guarantee that no-one feels the same about him and his team. Pathetic!

Today Chelsea face Keegan's Newcastle at St.James' Park and will have nothing less than victory in mind if they have to remain in the title race. The title is United's to lose and we have to make sure the pressure is on United as they face Wigan at the JJB on May 11th. Even if the title is lost on goal difference, it would be a brilliant achievement and the first such happening in the EPL history.

Ever since Keegan has come to the rescue of Magpies and ever since Keegan has played a 4-3-3 upfront Newcastle have scored goals but it’s often the other end which lets the rest of the team down. They have conceded 60 goals this season, with only Reading and Derby County letting more in. Last time we played Newcastle, we snatched all three points in a controversial game at Stamford Bridge last December. Kalou scored the winning goal after Butt canceled out Essien's opener.

But Newcastle looks a better side than they were last December and also our record at the St.James' Park is nothing to be proud of. We haven't won there in the last 5 league games, although we did manage to win a League Cup match there last year. With the next fixture 6 days later, a home draw against Bolton and then the final at Moscow 10 days later, I don't think Grant is forced to rest any players and should look to go all guns blazing against the Magpies.

For Newcastle, Senegalese midfielder Abdoulaye Faye is expected to be available after missing last weekend's game against West Ham with a groin injury. Defender David Edgar, who suffered a head injury at Upton Park, is expected to recover in time. Midfielder James Milner and defender Claudio Cacapa may also return to the squad.

Guess at the team:
Cech
Essien, Carvalho , Terry, A.Cole
Lampard, Mikel, Ballack
J.Cole, Drogba, Malouda
subs: Hialrio, Anelka, Alex, Kalou, Makalele

Referee: Steve Bennett

Scoreline prediction:1-3

P.S: If you are wondering what Cesc Fabregas is doing these days, (considering that they have nothing important to do till Euro'08) check out this video.