You may not recognize the Newcastle squad facing Chelsea this weekend

Newcastle have performed well enough this season that they're already safely out of the relegation discussion, and remain within touching distance of the reigning Premier League champions. While Chelsea have performed very well at Stamford Bridge this season, Newcastle should still be a tough test given the way they've been playing this season.

Things aren't currently looking so rosy for the league's northernmost side though, as the January window saw the club's best player leave for Paris St. Germain. Newcastle looked awful without Yohan Cabaye against Sunderland, losing 3-0 at home.

Cabaye won't be the only loss for Alan Pardew's side on Saturday, as Loic Remy will be serving his suspension for a red card against Norwich City. There will also be a bit of worry on the injury front, with several players expected to miss out:

#Cisse also remains a doubt for the trip to #CFC while #Tiote is expected to miss out #NUFC

— Ben Dinnery (@BenDinnery) February 6, 2014

#Pardew reveals #Gouffran is "unlikely" to be fit for the #CFC game, while #Coloccini is expected to be sidelined for a further 3 wks #NUFC

— Ben Dinnery (@BenDinnery) February 6, 2014

So no Cabaye, no Remy, no Tiote, and no Coloccini. Cisse and Gouffran are also likely to miss out. Suddenly, defeating Newcastle at Stamford Bridge looks a bit less daunting.

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