This is the start of a crazy month for Chelsea, playing in both the FA Cup and Champions League finals, whilst continuing the race for the top four, but Di Matteo is showing no signs of resting any players as precaution.
Both Luiz and Cahill are ruled out with hamstring injuries, but should be fit for the weekend, meaning Ivanovic is poised to start alongside Terry in the centre, whilst Ashley Cole will pick up his 250th appearance in a Chelsea shirt.
Newcastle have little injury concerns, as Simpson, Obertan and Marveaux should all be in the squad after returning from knocks.
Blues have some great stats on their back, in fact, they haven’t conceded a goal in the first-half in their last 10 league matches, and are unbeaten at home in 2012.
Also, Newcastle’s away form hasn’t been great, especially in London, where they are winless in seven matches, and have lost the last three, including defeats to Fulham and Spurs, where they shipped 10 goals in those two games alone.
Tonight, Chelsea, Newcastle, and Spurs play their game in hand on third placed Arsenal, and should Chelsea be victors today, they would be just 2 points behind Arsenal, and will be fourth ahead of Tottenham providing they fail to win at Bolton
I predicted 3 of the 4 weekend results correctly, having Spurs and Chelsea wins, and Arsenal draw. I went for a 2-1 victory for Chelsea, and I havent changed my views much, although I believe it could possibly be 3-1 after the weekends results.
Fernando Torres to score first, and Chelsea win 3-1 is 45/1 on Bet365.
By Brad Smith