OPINION
Newcastle United might have been handed what on paper looked like the toughest start to the new Premier League season, with clashes against four of last season’s top six in their opening five games, and they will be looking to spring a surprise to get any sort of points on the board.
With a defeat to Tottenham and a draw away at Cardiff, Chelsea are the next side up for Rafael Benitez and his men, the blues visiting St James’ Park only a couple of months after being beaten 3-0 by the Magpies on the final day of last season.
Things are likely to be different this time around, with plenty to play for, but the fact the clash is coming so early in the season could come as a massive boost to Benitez.
Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri has been discussing the visit to the north east, and gave an early bit of team news by confirming to the Sun that star maestro Eden Hazard is indeed set to return to action but will only be able to see out up to an hour as a result of his fitness levels.
The Belgian has been a regular tormentor of Newcastle and so hearing he is set to be limited in his capabilities should come as a real boon to their hopes of causing an upset.
As such, Benitez has to do everything he can – be it stick a man to mark the forward all game, or devise a tactic to nullify his impact – to silence Hazard for the hour that Sarri is predicting he will get out of his star man.
Keep him quiet for his display and Newcastle can go a long way to helping the Magpies stun the Blues and give the Toon Army plenty to cheer at home.