Newcastle v Chelsea preview
Chelsea's bid for a four trophy haul takes them to St James' Park on Sunday in what is arguably the tie of the round, shown live on Sky Sports 1.
The two sides met earlier in the campaign in the Carling Cup and it was Jose Mourinho's side which eventually came out on top courtesy of Eidur Gudjohnsen's winner.
Mourinho has stated that the FA Cup is not a priority and as consequence, it is likely more star names, along with Arjen Robben, will be watching from the sidelines.
Barcelona loom on a midweek horizon and with this is mind, Mourinho will rest virtual ever present Frank Lampard - with Jiri Jarosik (who is ineligible for the UEFA Champions League) set to deputise.
Newcastle boss Graeme Souness will be further hearted by the news that John Terry is suspended, but probably less so when he realises Ricardo Carvalho is fit again to replace him.
Didier Drogba has been missing since the start of the month with a groin injury and it is likely that Gudjohnsen will start as a lone striker with support from Joe Cole and Damien Duff.
Record breaking Petr Cech, as in the Carling Cup, could be rested with Carlo Cudicini an able deputy if called upon.
Mateja Kezman is back in Chelsea's squad after injury but is likely to have to settle for a place on the bench unless Mourinho saves his Icelandic hit man for Barcelona.
Newcastle will have tired legs after their exertions in the Uefa Cup on Thursday and could be without former Chelsea full-back Celestine Babayaro who is battling a knee injury sustained in Heerenveen.
Influential midfielder Nicky Butt is struggling to beat an ankle injury, whilst Souness will also need to check on the fitness of Jean Alain-Boumsong (back) and Kieron Dyer (viral infection).
To compound Souness' midfield concerns, Lee Bowyer and Amdy Faye are suspended.
Mourinho may have one eye on his midweek duel with Frank Rijkaard but Chelsea have repeatedly shown this season they can dig deep and the depth of their squad could still prove too much for Newcastle.
C'mon teh toon.
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