Good afternoon and welcome to Sports Mole's live text coverage of today's Premier League encounter between leaders Chelsea and Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge. The hosts will be keen to get back to winning ways following a 5-3 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur last time out, while Newcastle will be hoping to leave the capital with at least a share of the spoils. Team news will be through shortly.

CHELSEA: Cech; Ivanovic, Zouma, Terry, Azpilicueta; Matic, Fabregas; Willian, Oscar, Hazard; Costa

CHELSEA SUBS: Courtois, Cahill, Filipe Luis, Mikel, Ramires, Remy, Drogba

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho makes seven changes to his starting lineup following last weekend's victory over Watford in the FA Cup third round. John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic both return in defence, while Nemanja Matic, Cesc Fabregas, Willian, Eden Hazard and Diego Costa are also recalled. Meanwhile, Petr Cech keeps his place in goal ahead of Thibaut Courtois.

NEWCASTLE: Krul; Janmaat, Coloccini, Williamson, Dummett; Sissoko, Anita, Colback; Cabella, Perez, Gouffran

NEWCASTLE SUBS: Woodman, Santon, Haidara, Ameobi, Vuckic, Armstrong, Riviere

Newcastle caretaker boss John Carver has followed Mourinho's lead and also made seven changes after seeing his side lose to Leicester City in the FA Cup last weekend. Tim Krul returns from injury in goal for the Magpies, who also welcome Fabricio Coloccini and Daryl Janmaat back in defence. Moussa Sissoko, Jack Colback, Ayoze Perez and Yoan Gouffran are also given the nod by Carver. Papiss Cisse, Cheick Tiote both miss out due to their participation in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Right, let's get down to business. Chelsea will be well aware that they can afford very few slip-ups between now and the end of the season after Manchester City drew level on points with them at the top of the table on New Year's Day. The Blues suffered a humiliating 5-3 defeat away to London rivals last time out - a result that they will be keen to get out of their systems.

Jose Mourinho's side currently sit at the top of the table by virtue of alphabetical order. They are level on everything with Manchester City, which means that we should be in for an eventful second half of the season. Champions City are also in action this afternoon when they make the trip to an out-of-form Everton side.

Newcastle, who are still without a permanent manager following Alan Pardew's move to Crystal Palace, start the day in 10th place in the table. The Magpies have struggled for form in recent weeks, winning just one of their last five games in the Premier League. They took a point from their last match against Burnley, but only after throwing away three separate leads in a 3-3 draw. If they defend today like they did against the Clarets it could be a long afternoon for John Carver and his players.

UPDATE! There's just over 10 minutes left in today's early Premier League kickoff at the Stadium of Light, where Liverpool are leading Sunderland 1-0 thanks to a first-half strike from Lazar Markovic. Meanwhile, Liam Bridcutt has been sent off for the hosts. We will bring you the full-time score as soon as the whistle blows on Wearside.

Today's match between Chelsea and Newcastle holds a certain significance because it was Newcastle who inflicted a first defeat of the season for Chelsea when the sides met at St James' Park last month. The Magpies ran out 2-1 winners thanks to a brace from Papiss Cisse. The Blues pulled a late goal back through Didier Drogba, but it failed to stop their unbeaten record going out the window.

Newcastle caretaker boss John Carver: "[Mourinho] will want to get one back over us, but we played quite well that day, worked really hard, scored two good goals, and were unfortunate to lose Steven Taylor, but we hung on in the end."

Chelsea assistant coach Steve Holland: "There's been a really good focus this week. You get to this period – January and February – and you do get a chance to really work with a group of players on the training pitch every day.

"The tactical preparation we've had this week is the best it's been for months given we've had a clear week to prepare so we're in good shape and we're ready to play the game."

Holland stepped in for Mourinho at Chelsea's press conference this week after the Portuguese was charged by the Football Association for suggesting that there referees were part of a 'campaign' against his team.

Got a spare few minutes before kickoff? Why not check out our video preview of this afternoon's match at Stamford Bridge:

UPDATE! The full-time whistle has just gone at the Stadium of Light, where Liverpool have beaten Sunderland 1-0 thanks to that first-half strike from Lazar Markovic.

Taking another look at Newcastle's managerial situation, caretaker boss John Carver has suggested that a lengthy search for Alan Pardew's successor could be disruptive to the side. The Magpies are already in something of a slump having won just once in their last seven games. You would think owner Mike Ashley will be eager to make an appointment in the immediate future. A number of names have been linked with the job, including Steve McClaren, Remi Garde and Frank De Boer.

It's a big day for Chelsea captain John Terry, who will make his 648th appearance for the Blues this afternoon.

HEAD TO HEAD: It's Chelsea who have the better record when it comes to past meetings between these sides, winning 61 games compared to 50 for Newcastle. There have also been 38 draws since they first played each other at the turn of the 20th century.

Despite Newcastle's inferior record against Chelsea, the Magpies have dominated this fixture in recent seasons. They have beaten the Blues four times in their last six meetings, with Chelsea winning the other two. Newcastle's most recent victory at Stamford Bridge came back in May 2012 when Papiss Cisse scored an absolute belter in a 2-0 triumph. The Tynesiders have definitely been a bogey team for Chelsea in the past few years.

With kickoff fast approaching, the players are starting to emerge in the tunnel. John Terry stands proudly at the head of the Chelsea line, while Fabricio Coloccini leads Newcastle. Stood just behind the Argentine is goalkeeper Tim Krul. How vital could he be for the visitors today after spending the last six or so weeks out of action?

The teams are out, the pre-match handshakes have been done, and it will be Newcastle to kick us off at Stamford Bridge. Here we go!

It's been a solid start from Chelsea, who have seen pretty much all of the ball during these opening few minutes. They've spread it around impressively, with everyone getting a touch. However, it's Newcastle who have the first sight of goal as Sissoko cuts in from the left before firing a low shot at Cech.

Newcastle are just starting to build up a bit more possession now, with the likes of Colback and Anita battling away in midfield. They win a corner out on the right that Cabella steps up to take, but his delivery is woeful and Chelsea clear.

This is a good little spell for Newcastle. Colback's dangerous free kick is headed away by the Chelsea defence before Cabella's cross from the right is cleared by Terry. The winger had bags of space on the right wing, only for another disappointing delivery to hamper his side. The Frenchman really needed to do better there.

It's seems to be a bit of a recurring theme when it comes to Chelsea, but the atmosphere inside Stamford Bridge isn't what you would call electrifying at the moment. That said, the home fans haven't had a great deal to cheer about in the opening 11 minutes or so. Chelsea have started this match sluggishly, while Newcastle are looking a lot brighter.

Jose Mourinho does not look like a happy man down on the touchline. The Portuguese is asking his players to work harder as they struggle to find their rhythm. There has been very little in the way of a creative spark from the league leaders so far.

Something of a half-chance for the visitors as Cabella pops up on the edge of the box to hit a fierce drive towards goal. However, Azpilicueta is there to block the shot. Chelsea then go up the other end of the pitch as Willian leads the charge, but the move eventually breaks down as the Brazilian loses possession.

CHANCE! Close for Newcastle as Cabella weaves past a couple of defenders before seeing his deflected shot go narrowly wide of the post. Colback takes the resulting corner, which is cleared by the home side. Chelsea defended poorly in the build-up to that Cabella opportunity. The Frenchman was afforded far too much space.

CHANCE! Newcastle cause Chelsea problems again as Gouffran hits a powerful free kick towards goal from about 20 yards out, but Cech beats it away. The hosts create themselves a chance at the other end of the field moments later, though Costa fails to find the target. End-to-end stuff there.

This is better from Chelsea. They're beginning to stamp a bit more of their authority on this game, competing better in midfield and using the likes of Oscar and Hazard better in advanced areas.

Jose Mourinho remains agitated down on the touchline, though this time he's annoyed with Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul for what he believes is time-wasting. The Dutchman is taking his time with goal kicks, it must be said. Meanwhile, it's still Chelsea who are suddenly looking the more dangerous.

Groans of frustration from the Chelsea fans as Matic's attempt at a threaded pass through to Costa goes out of play behind the goal. The Blues were enjoying more of the ball now, but they're not doing a great deal with it. Newcastle go up the other end soon after as Cabella is picked out by Janmaat, but his low shot is saved by Cech.

For someone who has looked average for much of the season, Newcastle winger Cabella is giving the Chelsea defence some real problems today. The Frenchman is causing havoc to the likes of Azpilicueta and Zouma when he gets on the ball, using his pace and trickery to get the visitors into some good positions.

CHELSEA SUB: The hosts are forced into an early change as Azpilicueta, who looks to have strained his groin, is replaced by Filipe Luis.

We were experiencing a couple of technical difficulties before that Chelsea substitution, so it's worth saying that Sissoko rattled a shot against the angle of post and crossbar on about 35 minutes. The midfielder glided past Terry before being thwarted by the woodwork. The Magpies are really looking confident out there.

It's thoroughly undeserved, but Chelsea lead thanks to a simple goal from Oscar! A quick corner from Willian on the right finds Ivanovic, whose cross into the middle is tapped home by Oscar. Newcastle have been the better team this afternoon, only to find themselves behind against the league leaders.

CHANCE! Chelsea come close as Willian lines up a free kick on the edge of the box after Williamson is booked for taking down Costa. The Brazilian's strike is a pure one, but Krul gets behind it to punch the ball clear. There will be two minutes of added time.

The half-time whistle goes, bringing the curtain down on a curious opening 45 minutes at Stamford Bridge. Newcastle have been impressive so far, yet they find themselves 1-0 down thanks to that goal from Oscar.

Chelsea were well below par during that first half, even if they do lead. Everything about their game appeared sluggish as the likes of Costa, Hazard and Fabregas struggled to make an impact. Jose Mourinho is sure to be giving his players a piece of his mind ahead of the second period.

Even better for Chelsea is that Manchester City are currently drawing 0-0 at Everton. If results stay the same, Chelsea will be going two points clear at the top of the table. However, there's still a long way to go this afternoon.

One of Newcastle's biggest problems in that half was a lack of finishing. The Magpies created a handful of decent chances, but they just couldn't apply that all-important final touch. Their biggest opportunity arrived with about 10 minutes left to play when Moussa Sissoko rattled the woodwork with a ferocious after after skipping past John Terry.

SECOND HALF UNDERWAY! The players are back out for the second half and it will be Chelsea to kick us off. No changes from either manager at the break.

You get the feeling the Chelsea players were given an earful by Jose Mourinho at the break. The hosts are looking lively, with the ball being knocked about in a more confident fashion than in the first. Newcastle are having to stay focused in midfield and defence at the moment.

A bit of a worry for Newcastle here as Gouffran goes off the pitch for treatment on an injured ankle. The Frenchman received a knock during a collision with Oscar.

PENALTY APPEAL! Chelsea want a penalty as a cross from the left appears to hit the hand of Coloccini, but referee Roger East waves away the appeals. Replays suggest that the ball did indeed hit the defender's hand, but it would have been pretty harsh to have given it.

YELLOW CARD! Newcastle midfielder Colback goes into the book for holding back Hazard. It's currently all Chelsea as the hosts go in search of what would be a crucial second goal. Newcastle are having to sit fairly deep as the ball keeps on coming at them.

Chelsea get their second goal as Oscar and Hazard link well before feeding Diego Costa inside the box. The striker uses his strength to shield the ball before turning and firing a low shot past Krul and into the net. A fine strike from the Spaniard.

While Chelsea haven't been vastly improved since the restart, they've certainly done a better job of taking the game to Newcastle. The Blues are making sure that they put some serious pressure on their opponents. As far as personal duels are concerned, Terry and Perez and having a bit of a battle out there as we head into the final 30 minutes of this match.

NEWCASTLE SUB: The visitors make their first change of the afternoon now as Gouffran, who took a knock about 10 minutes ago, is replaced by Sammy Ameobi.

YELLOW CARD! Newcastle defender Paul Dummett is the latest name to go into the book for chopping down Willian.

Time is quickly running out for Newcastle to get anything out of this game. A goal now for the Magpies would make things very interesting, but they're just not doing enough to trouble Chelsea. The hosts are pretty much camped in the Newcastle half and have been for much of the second half. An opening for the home side sees Costa get on the end of Fabregas's knockdown, though his shot is easily held by Krul.

YELLOW CARD! A booking for Nemanja Matic now, and rightly so after the midfielder blocks Cabella off cynically with Newcastle looking to break.

The Magpies are making a go of things as we edge closer to the final whistle, though their attacks aren't quite as dangerous as they were in the first half. Cabella, Sissoko and Perez - all so busy during the opening 45 minutes - are failing to trouble the Chelsea defence now.

Good play from Ameobi as he takes on Willian and Ivanovic down the left before whipping a decent cross into the box. However, none of his teammates are in the area and Chelsea manager to regain possession. A goal for Newcastle in the next few minutes or so is sure to make the finale of this game an interesting one.

CHELSEA SUB: Oscar picks up a booking for holding back Colback before being withdrawn by Jose Mourinho. Ramires replaces his fellow Brazilian in midfield.

CHANCE! Wonderful play from Costa as he jinks his way around a handful of Newcastle defenders before seeing his shot deflected over the bar by the foot of Coloccini. Chelsea fail to make anything of the resulting corner. That was classic Costa - power, pace and quick feet.

CHELSEA, NEWCASTLE SUBS: The home side make another change, with Costa coming off for Loic Remy. The Spaniard has been impressive in the second half and was rewarded with a goal. Newcastle also shake things up as Sissoko is replaced by Emmanuel Riviere.

Not a great sense of urgency from Chelsea at the moment, with the ball being knocked about at a leisurely pace by the men in blue. They clearly feel like their work is done. It's been a far from convincing display from Jose Mourinho's men today, though they've done just about enough to get over the line.

An opening for Remy now as the former Newcastle striker takes aim from a difficult angle, but he can't find the target. That would have needed to have been some hit to beat Krul from there.

There will be FOUR MINUTES of added time...

It looks as if that's all she wrote. Newcastle have certainly played their part this afternoon, but Chelsea have been just that little bit better when it's counted. That said, the hosts will know that they can ill afford to produce this kind of performance too often during the remainder of the campaign.

Referee Roger East blows his whistle and Chelsea have the three points thanks to goals from Oscar and Diego Costa. There's even better news for Jose Mourinho's side as Manchester City have been held to a 1-1 draw at Everton, which means that Chelsea are now two points clear of the champions at the top of the table.

That's all from our live text coverage of this afternoon's match, but don't forget that you can keep up to date with all of the reaction from both camps right here on Sports Mole. Thanks for your company, we hope to see you again soon. Goodbye!