Team News: Newcastle United vs. Chelsea

John Mikel Obi returns to the starting line-up after two games out and Branislav Ivanovic is chosen as replacement for injured José Bosingwa at right-back.

Michael Ballack is the one making way for Mikel in midfield with Michael Essien selected to push forward with Frank Lampard.

Up front, Nicolas Anelka will be flanked by Salomon Kalou and Florent Malouda. Ricardo Carvalho and Deco are both back on the bench after injury and recent international action.

For Newcastle, Michael Owen joins Obafemi Martins in attack with Peter Lovenkrands moving to the left of midfield.

There is a heavy ex-Chelsea presence on the bench with Gérérmi and Damien Duff present.

Chelsea will line-up in a 4-3-3 formation as follows:

1 Petr Cech
2 Branislav Ivanovic
33 Alex
26 John Terry (c)
3 Ashley Cole
5 Michael Essien
12 John Mikel Obi
8 Frank Lampard
21 Salomon Kalou
39 Nicolas Anelka
15 Florent Malouda

Substitutes: 40 Hilario, 42 Michael Mancienne, 6 Ricardo Carvalho, 35 Juliano Belletti, 13 Michael Ballack, 20 Deco, 9 Franco Di Santo.

Newcastle are expected to line-up in the following 4-4-2 formation:

Harper; R Taylor, Beye, José Enrique, Coloccini; Gutierrez, Nolan, Butt, Lovenkrands; Owen, Martins.

Substitutes: Carroll, Guthrie, Edgar, Forster, Gérémi, Duff, Smith.

The referee is Rob Styles.

Source Chelsea FC official Website