Pardew wary of injuries to new players
Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has wrapped his new boys in cotton wool ahead of Barclays Premier League clash with Chelsea.
Midfielder Moussa Sissoko and striker Yoan Gouffran have been largely rested, along with defender Steven Taylor after his return from long-term injury, since emerging from their debuts at Aston Villa on Tuesday night feeling the effects of life in English football.
But they - as well as midfielder Sylvain Marveaux, who missed the 2-1 win at Villa Park with a foot problem - will be available as Pardew has to do without only midfielders Hatem Ben Arfa (hamstring) and Cheick Tiote, who is on duty with Ivory Coast at the African Nations Cup.
Rafael Benitez's men will arrive on Tyneside still smarting from their failure to defend a 2-0 lead at struggling Reading, the latest mishap in an indifferent run of form.
Pardew said: "Just recently, a little bit of pressure has fallen their way because of a few draws when they have actually looked like they were going to win the game.
"There's a slight question mark, for them even, of getting over the line. Sometimes you play really well but you can't get over the line and get the win, and that's probably where they are.
"That's what they will be searching for against us, so I am hoping we can stay in the game and they get edgy towards the end and hopefully we can see a victory out."
Chelsea goalkeeper Peter Cech is available following a calf strain.
Cech missed the 2-2 draws at Brentford and Reading and is set to return in place of Ross Turnbull, while midfielder Juan Mata has shaken off an ankle problem sustained in midweek and defender John Terry could return after reverting to the bench at the Madejski Stadium.
Demba Ba will be facing his old side and defender Cesar Azpilicueta he will not be worried about any potential backlash from the Newcastle fans.
"I don't know how they feel," he said.
"Demba
is a Chelsea player. He's going to do his best for Chelsea. It's true that he played very well there so I think they must be disappointed because he's a very good player, but he's going to be focused on the game."
Source: PA
