Chelsea vs Newcastle as it happened: Eden Hazard inspire comeback victory as champions close gap
Relive the drama from Saturday's Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge
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Your support makes all the difference.Chelsea boss Antonio Conte believes England may require some insider information to keep Eden Hazard quiet at next summer's World Cup.
Hazard should be part of the Belgium team who face the Three Lions after the nations were paired in Group G in Friday's draw, along with Tunisia and Panama.
The 26-year-old stole the show as he returned to the Chelsea side to score twice as the reigning Premier League champions came from behind to beat Newcastle 3-1 on Saturday.
Dwight Gayle had given Newcastle a shock lead as Rafael Benitez returned to Stamford Bridge for the first time since his acrimonious six-month tenure as Blues boss in 2013.
But Chelsea hit back as Hazard levelled with a smart finish and wrapped up the points with a deft 'Panenka' penalty after Alvaro Morata had headed in to give Conte's side the lead at the interval.
Relive the drama below...
What time does it start?
The game kicks off at 12.30pm on Saturday 2 December at Stamford Bridge.
Where can I watch it?
The game will be broadcast on Sky Sports Premier League. Coverage starts at 11.30am.
It’s a big game for…
Rafa Benitez. That Newcastle have won just one game from their last nine fixtures makes for a worrying read. Nonetheless, the spirit showed by the Magpies on Tuesday night suggests Benitez still has his players all pulling in the same direction – despite the nature of some results. Even a point against Chelsea on Saturday would be considered a positive outcome for Newcastle – anything else, though, would simply add to the concern at St James’ Park.
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Remember when…
Chelsea stormed past Newcastle to send Steve McClaren’s side into the relegation zone in February 2016? The hosts romped to a 5-1 victory at the Bridge, with Pedro notably grabbing a brace.
Player to watch…
Eden Hazard. The Belgian was rested for the Swansea game but is likely to return for Saturday’s clash against Newcastle. When on form, Hazard looks unstoppable and brings a real energy to this Chelsea side that, on occasion, goes missing in his absence. With the Magpies struggling to keep clean sheets at the moment, the 26-year-old will be relishing Saturday’s game.
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Head to head…
Chelsea 5 Newcastle United 1, Premier League, February 2016
Newcastle United 2 Chelsea 2, Premier League, September 2015
Chelsea 2 Newcastle United 0, Premier League, January 2015
Form guide…
Chelsea: WDWWWL
Newcastle: DLLLLW
Odds…
Chelsea to win: 1/5
Draw: 11/2
Newcastle United: 14/1
Thanks for tuning in to our live coverage of Chelsea vs Newcastle. Follow the below link for regular updates from today's 3pm kick-offs, with Liverpool and Tottenham both in action.
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