Making amends for defeats in Premier League gameweek eight will be the goal for both Chelsea and Newcastle United in Sunday's top-flight clash at Stamford Bridge.
Enzo Maresca's men responded to their agonising 2-1 loss to Chelsea by easing past Panathinaikos 4-1 in the Conference League, while the Magpies were their own worst enemy in last weekend's 1-0 home defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion.
Hoping to provide Liverpool with the stiffest test of their Premier League title credentials yet, Chelsea almost succeeded in that regard, as Nicolas Jackson just about kept himself on side to cancel out Mohamed Salah's first-half penalty at Anfield.
However, the Blues were not on level terms for long, as Salah turned provider for Curtis Jones to poke home the decisive strike just three minutes after Jackson got Maresca's side back on level terms, as Chelsea suffered their first top-flight loss since the opening weekend.
Albeit with a much-changed XI, Maresca got the response he was looking for during Thursday's trek to Greece, where Joao Felix was at the double in a comfortable Conference League crushing of a Panathinaikos side mourning the tragic death of George Baldock.
Continental matters now take a back seat for sixth-placed Chelsea, who could rise into the top four of the Premier League table this weekend if results elsewhere go their way, but they have not helped themselves at the back of late.
Indeed, Chelsea have now gone five games without a clean sheet in all tournaments thanks to Facundo Pellistri's consolation for Panathinaikos on Thursday, but they have found the net at the correct end in 12 straight matches themselves, notching 17 in their last six at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea’s strong performance in attack stands in sharp contrast to Newcastle's struggles in October. After a frustrating goalless draw against Everton before the international break, Eddie Howe's side couldn't find their rhythm against Brighton either.
Despite their efforts, Newcastle couldn't break through Brighton's defence. A mix of missed chances and impressive goalkeeping by Bart Verbruggen kept them out, while Brighton's Danny Welbeck only needed one opportunity to score the decisive goal.
Since Newcastle's 2021 takeover, there has been plenty of talk about them becoming a major force in English football. However, recent results tell a different story, with the team now winless in their last four Premier League matches and dropping to ninth in the table.
In their last three matches, the Magpies have managed just one goal, which came in their unconvincing EFL Cup win over AFC Wimbledon. Still, Eddie Howe has had some success against Chelsea, winning two of the four encounters during his time in charge.
One of those victories was a commanding 4-1 win at St James’ Park last season, but Chelsea responded by knocking Newcastle out of the EFL Cup on penalties and securing a 3-2 Premier League victory at Stamford Bridge. Interestingly, the two teams will face off again in the League Cup just three days after their upcoming league clash.
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