Newcastle manager, Eddie Howe has stated that Chelsea were not lucky in their defeat to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final weeks ago.

The Blues were edged out 1-0 by a late Virgil van Dijk goal in extra time.

Eddie Howe however feels Chelsea played really well in the Wembley match up, like they have in recent weeks, and expects a difficult fight when they host his side at Stamford Bridge on Monday.

The game will also be the third meeting between the Blues and Newcastle this season, with the London club winning the last fixture in a penalty shootout in the League Cup.

Howe told reporters: “It was a difficult night. We did a lot right and that was in the middle of injury difficulties and we were struggling for fit players, we were so close in the penalty shoot-out it was difficult.

“But, through every difficult position is a positive one, you have just got to find it.

“I think Chelsea have definitely improved over the season, in the League Cup final against Liverpool they played very well and they were unlucky to not win.

“Chelsea have top quality players and an outstanding manager.”