Chelsea Facing Tough Test at Newcastle

A week after slowing Manchester United's title challenge, Newcastle will look to do the same to struggling Chelsea and provide further evidence of its ability to compete with the Premier League's top teams this season.

Newcastle is holding its own among exalted company at the top of the division, with a 1-1 draw at second-place United keeping the northeast side in the Champions League positions.

Chelsea is a point behind Newcastle going into Saturday's match at St. James' Park and is looking to bounce back from a loss to Liverpool in the League Cup quarterfinals — its fifth in nine games.

Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul says "our confidence is sky high. It's perhaps a good time to play Chelsea."