Magpies set to blood Woodgate

JONATHAN WOODGATE is ready to be thrown into the firing line as Newcastle attempt to put pressure on the Premiership’s top two at home to Chelsea today.

The £9m signing, prevented from making his bow on familiar territory at Leeds last week because of a clause in the deal which took him to St James' Park, seems certain to be handed his first start in a game which could take Bobby Robson's men seven points clear of one of their closest rivals.

A win would also put them level with second-placed Manchester United, who play Liverpool in the Worthington Cup final on Sunday, and Robson is ready to wheel out his strongest possible side in a bid to close the gap.