Chelsea back to full strength for Newcastle clash

Top-of-the-table Chelsea were back to full strength for their clash with Newcastle at Stamford Bridge.

Goalkeeper Petr Cech replaced Carlo Cudicini and Frank Lampard returned at the heart of the midfield after being left out of the starting line-up for the Carling Cup midweek game against Fulham.

Lampard came off the bench to net the winner at Craven Cottage.

Chelsea, looking to go eight points clear ahead of Arsenal before the rest of today’s fixtures, fielded the same team which flattened Charlton 4-0 last week in the Barclays Premiership.

Eidur Gudjohnsen kept his place in attack ahead of the fit-again Didier Drogba, while Wayne Bridge, Scott Parker and Drogba were all on the bench, along with Mateja Kezman.

Newcastle recalled Ronny Johnsen in defence, and that was the only change for Graeme Souness’ side, with full-back Robbie Elliott having to settle for a place on the bench.

Souness was without the injured Alan Shearer, Nicky Butt and Stephen Carr.

Chelsea: Cech, Paulo Ferreira, Ricardo Carvalho, Terry, Gallas, Tiago, Makelele, Lampard, Robben, Gudjohnsen, Duff.

Subs: Kezman, Drogba, Bridge, Parker, Pidgeley.

Newcastle: Given, Taylor, Bramble, Johnsen, Hughes, Dyer, Jenas, Bowyer, Robert, Kluivert, Bellamy.

Subs: Elliott, Harper, Milner, Ameobi, Ambrose.

Referee: R Styles (Hampshire)