Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has wrapped his new boys in cotton wool ahead of tomorrow’s Barclays Premier League clash with Chelsea.
Midfielder Moussa Sissoko and striker Yoan Gouffran have been largely rested, along with defender Steven Taylor after his return from long-term injury, since emerging from their debuts at Aston Villa on Tuesday night feeling the effects of life in English football.
But they – as well as midfielder Sylvain Marveaux, who missed the 2-1 win at Villa Park with a foot problem – will be available as Pardew has to do without only midfielders Hatem Ben Arfa (hamstring) and Cheick Tiote, who is on duty with Ivory Coast at the African Nations Cup.
Newcastle from: Krul, Harper, Elliot, Debuchy, Santon, Perch, Williamson, Coloccini, Yanga-Mbiwa, S. Taylor, Sissoko, Gutierrez, Anita, Cabaye, Bigirimana, Obertan, Sammy Ameobi, Marveaux, Cisse, Shola Ameobi, Gouffran.