Download the Real Chelsea Fans app for all the latest Chelsea news

Chelsea are set to return to the pitch for competitive football after the international break.

The Blues haven’t been in action for nearly two weeks now, with their last game being against Manchester City on November 12.

Chelsea’s next opponents are Newcastle United, who have been doing well since the appointment of Eddie Howe as their new manager. In fact, the Blues have hardly beaten them since that time, with the Magpies qualifying for the UEFA Champions League at the expense of Chelsea and Liverpool last term.

Chelsea’s match against Howe’s men this Saturday is billed for 3pm (UK time), and it is a very special time for the Magpies. They have not lost a game that was scheduled for that time of the day since 2021 when they lost 3-0 to the Blues.

Reece James scored a brace to help Chelsea to victory on that occasion.

Newcastle have played 18 matches since the last time they were beaten at the traditional Saturday 3pm slot, winning 12 and drawing six of them.