Good morning! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for today's early Premier League kickoff as Newcastle United host Chelsea at St James' Park. These two sides come into this match off the back of contrasting results in the midweek games, so it will be interesting to see how it plays out today. Let's start with a look at our hosts...

The Magpies recent burst up the table has been slowed over the last week as their remarkable turnaround in form was finally ended. Alan Pardew seemed like a dead man walking just two months ago, but victory over Leicester City at the start of October really galvanised his team, and they ended up winning six games on the bounce in all competitions, including victories over the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool.

It was West Ham United who put an end to that streak last weekend with a 1-0 victory at Upton Park, but given the Hammers' form this season that was not a massive shock. What would have disappointed Alan Pardew was the midweek result against Burnley, who have been struggling at the wrong end of the table all season. The Magpies fell behind in that match at Turf Moor and, while Papiss Cisse responded shortly after half time, they could not find to winner and came away with just a point against one of the favourites for relegation.

Despite those two results, Newcastle's magnificent winning streak means that they remain in the top half of the table going into this game. Indeed, they are level on points with top-four challengers Liverpool and Tottenham, and are just five points off the Champions League places themselves. Pardew may not be expecting to push for Europe this season given their poor start, but he will certainly want a return to winning ways sooner rather than later or he could find his side slipping back down the table.

Goals have been an issue for Newcastle this season, with much of the burden being placed on the inconsistent Papiss Cisse. The Magpies have the worst goalscoring record in the top half of the table having found the net just 15 times in their 14 outings this season. The likes of Ayoze Perez have come into the side and looked bright in recent weeks, but he is not a clinical goalscorer and that could be an area where Pardew looks to improve in January.

Defensively they were far from perfect at the start of the season, but have improved immeasurably in recent weeks. Their upturn in form was down largely to such an impressive defensive record, keeping five clean sheets and conceded just one goal in their six consecutive victories. They do have injury concerns at the back, though, and that could well have a damning impact on their form until those problems go away.

Paul Dummett was forced to play at centre-back against Burnley, but he will be glad to see the likes of Coloccini and Taylor returning today. In fairness, the Magpies coped fairly well in the absence and have now conceded just three goals in their last eight games, including none in their last three home games. Their return is particularly timely considering they are coming up against a Chelsea side with Costa leading the line once again.

Newcastle's home form gives them plenty of cause for optimism today having not been beaten at St James' Park since the opening day of the season, when they went down 2-0 to Manchester City despite an encouraging display. They have won their last three games in front of their own fans, against Leicester, Liverpool and QPR, without conceding a single goal, edging each one 1-0.

As confident as Newcastle may be given that form, you can be sure that Chelsea will be even more sure of victory this afternoon. Jose Mourinho's side have been imperious so far this season and look like a winning machine. Manchester City's recent form has suggested that they may make the title race interesting, but so far it is Chelsea who have been by far and away the best team this season.

There was a slight hiccup last weekend on Chelsea's last trip to the North-East, when Sunderland frustrated the league leaders and battled their way to a goalless draw. You can be sure that many teams looked at that performance and will try to do the same against this Chelsea side before the end of the season, but Mourinho will be confident that his side have the quality to power through such tactics more often than not.

They certainly had the quality to see off Tottenham in their last outing, cruising to a comfortable 3-0 victory at White Hart Lane on Wednesday. It was another hugely impressive performance from the Blues, who looked adept in every area of the field and barely noticed the absence of top scorer Diego Costa. The striker returns to the side today, which should make Chelsea and even more formidable challenge for the Magpies.

Chelsea have now gone 21 matches unbeaten in all competitions, while stretching back to last season that run now stands at 23 games - equalling the club record. Should they avoid defeat this afternoon then it would be the best run in the club's history and, while talk of emulating the Invincibles is perhaps a little premature, they certainly don't look like losing any time soon.

Six points currently separate them from Manchester City at the top of the table, a gap they can extend to nine for a few hours at least with a victory this afternoon. City don't play until this evening, when they host Everton in a tricky match for Manuel Pellegrini's side, so three points for Chelsea here at St James' Park would really pile the pressure on the defending champions at the Etihad.

Ominously for every other team in the Premier League - and indeed across Europe - Chelsea are beginning to keep clean sheets with regularity as well. They were scoring for fun at the start of the season but struggled to prevent the opposition from also getting on the scoresheet. However, they have now kept four clean sheets on the bounce, last conceding when Emre Can's deflected shot put Liverpool into the lead at Anfield almost a month ago. Couple such an impressive defensive record with the best attack in the league, and you have a winning formula.

If there is one minor weak spot for Chelsea, it would be their away form this season. They have only failed to win five matches this season, and four of those have come on the road. Granted, they have also won seven away games this season, but opposing teams will certainly fancy their chances more at home against Chelsea than at Stamford Bridge. Despite their fine recent defensive record, Jose Mourinho's side have only kept one clean sheet in their last seven matches on their travels.

TEAM NEWS: Time for some team news! The headline for the visitors is that Diego Costa returns to the attack having served his one-match ban, while Mikel comes into midfield in place of the suspended Matic. Otherwise, it is an unchanged side for the Blues. Newcastle, meanwhile, start with Perez up front and Cisse on the bench, while there are returns for Steven Taylor, Coloccini, Colback, Cabella and Sissoko. Full team news for both sides coming right up...

NEWCASTLE STARTING XI: Elliot; Janmaat, Coloccini, S Taylor, Dummett; Sissoko, Tiote, Colback; Ameobi, Perez, Cabella

NEWCASTLE SUBS: Alnwick, Williamson, Haidara, Anita, Gouffran, Riviere, Cisse

CHELSEA STARTING XI: Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Mikel, Fabregas; Willian, Oscar, Hazard; Diego Costa

CHELSEA SUBS: Cech, Filipe Luis, Zouma, Ramires, Schurrle, Remy, Drogba

What can we make of those two sides, then? Well, Pardew has made no fewer than five changes to the side that drew with Burnley in midweek, but all of them will be ones that he is happy to make. Tim Krul remains sidelined until the end of the year, so Elliot once again starts in goal, but there is good news on the injury front in the back four. Coloccini and Taylor return to the side, allowing Dummett to move back into his favoured position on the left. It is more or less a full-strength defence for Pardew, which could be key against this Chelsea side.

There is more good news in midfield, with Sissoko and Colback both available once again having served their respective suspensions. Sissoko's form was key to Newcastle's improvement over the last couple of months, and he is one player who Pardew will feel can hurt Chelsea if given the opportunity today. The likes of Tiote and Colback, meanwhile, will bring plenty of fight and determination in midfield against a strong Chelsea outfit.

It is interesting to see Pardew stick with Ayoze Perez and drop Cisse to the bench for today's game. Perez has looked bright in recent matches and perhaps his movement and pace would cause more problems for the Chelsea defence than Cisse could, but the Senegalese striker did score the equaliser against Burnley so is a little unlucky to miss out.

Perez certainly has a tough job on his hands finding a way through this Chelsea defence, with is arguably the most impressive in the Premier League despite Southampton boasting a better record at the moment. It is a very settled back five, and that has helped as the season has progressed, as evidenced by their improving number of clean sheets. Each and every one of the back four is a very solid defender and a threat going forward.

Mourinho has been forced into a change in midfield, though, and it is the magnificent Matic who misses out having picked up his fifth yellow card of the season against Spurs. He hasn't hit the headlines as much as the likes of Fabregas, Costa or Hazard, but he has been just as key to the team's success this season. Mikel is obviously vastly experienced in that role, but it will be interesting to see if Chelsea cope as well without Matic as they did without Costa in midweek.

The trio behind the striker is another area where Mourinho is very clear on who his first choices are. Willian, Oscar and Hazard have all been in fine form this season, particularly the latter. If there is one criticism of Hazard's game it could be that he doesn't get enough goals, but he got on the scoresheet on Wednesday and certainly has the quality to get himself into good positions. He can be unplayable when at his best, so Janmaat will have his hands full this afternoon.

Speaking of unplayable, Costa makes his return to the side having missed out against Spurs due to suspension. The bullish striker has made a flying start to life in the Premier League, but he may be especially keen to show his quality today after Chelsea coped with his absence easily in midweek. The Spaniard seems to be perfectly suited to the Premier League, and if he is on song today then it could well be the difference between the sides.

PREDICTION: Right, we're 10 minutes away from kickoff at St James' Park, which means that it is time for a prediction! Chelsea didn't find things easy on their last trip to the North-East, but Newcastle are unlikely to employ similar tactics to the ones Sunderland used. I don't anticipate the hosts making it easy for Chelsea, but Jose Mourinho's side just have so much quality that it is hard to see them not winning today. I'll go for a 2-0 away victory.

The Sports Mole sofa panellists have had their say on this match, and you can watch the video preview below:

As impressive as Chelsea have been this season, they do have something of a hoodoo hanging over them coming into this match. Mourinho has never won at St James' Park in the Premier League, drawing twice and losing on his last two visits. The most recent meeting here saw Newcastle run out 2-0 winners, with now-Chelsea striker Loic Remy among the scorers for the Magpies. That, incidentally, was Pardew's first ever victory over Mourinho.

Chelsea did get their revenge in the return fixture, and Newcastle won't be happy about coming up against Hazard again following events at Stamford Bridge. I mentioned earlier that he should perhaps get more goals, but he was clinical when these sides last met in February, scoring a hat-trick to inspire Chelsea to a 3-0 victory.

The teams are out at St James' Park and we are just minutes away from kickoff now. Can Newcastle stop the winning machine that is Chelsea, or will the title favourites march on? Stick with us to find out!

KICKOFF: Here we go then! Newcastle get us underway at St James' Park as they look to become the first side to topple Chelsea this season.

Decent start from Newcastle as they look to prevent Chelsea from getting into an early rhythm. The hosts are pressing quickly and not allowing Chelsea's influential players much time on the ball in the opening exchanges.

This could be an interesting test for Chelsea today the way things seem to be shaping up. Newcastle look eager to get on the front foot and rough up the visitors whenever possible, so they may struggle to play their usual nice football this afternoon.

It has been a slow start to this match. Both sides are still looking to gain control over the match and, while Chelsea have seen more of the ball in the opening stages, they haven't threatened to get in behind the hosts just yet.

Most promising attack of the match so far from either side as Ivanovic is slipped in down the right channel. The full-back pulls his pass in towards Costa, who just can't get it under control with his back to goal inside the box.

CLOSE! Better from Chelsea as they have their first good spell of possession so far. Azpilicueta, Costa and Hazard are all involved on the edge of the Newcastle box before the ball is squared to Willian, who works a yard before drilling a low effort narrowly wide.

Chelsea have now settled in this match despite Newcastle's best efforts, and the visitors are knocking the ball about confidently at the moment. Newcastle look organised in defence, but aren't offering much at the other end of the field right now.

SHOT! Promising attack for Newcastle down the right as Janmaat races through, but his dangerous cross is well cut out by Courtois. Chelsea immediately launch a counter through Hazard, but the Belgian bends his shot wide of the mark when he had Costa in support.

Good defending from Taylor as he makes a vital block to deny Costa. It was good football in the build-up from the visitors as Fabregas found Willian, whose low ball into the box was dangerous. Costa turned his effort goalwards, but Taylor was there to make the block.

SHOT! From the resulting corner, Cahill rises highest and gets his head to the ball, but he puts too much on his effort and it goes over the top. Sissoko did just about enough there, but it wasn't the most convincing defending from the midfielder.

There have been a couple of occasions in the last few minutes where Newcastle have almost been caught out on the break, and that is something they will need to be wary of against this Chelsea side.

CLOSE! Lovely from Hazard as he spins away from his marker and races down the left. He cuts inside and plays a square ball across the edge of the box that eventually falls to Willian, but the Brazilian bends his low effort inches past the post. That was not far away at all!

Perez has worked incredibly hard up front on his own in the opening 20 minutes. He has chased everything down and not given the Chelsea defenders time at all. He is likely to be isolated for long spells today, so it will be interesting to see whether he can keep that work-rate up, and indeed is it affects him should a chance fall his way.

SHOT! Magnificent block from Taylor to deny Oscar. Again it was Willian who got in behind down the right channel before pulling a low ball into the box. Oscar came sprinting on to it and managed to get his shot away, but Taylor made a vital block. The ball bounced out to Fabregas, but his tame effort was deflected wide.

Once again Chelsea hit on the break, and they work it nicely this time as Hazard and Oscar combine to set up Costa. The striker lashes his effort wide of the mark, but the linesman's flag is already up against Hazard. Another warning shot on the counter for Newcastle, though.

SAVE! Dreadful from Tiote as he gives the ball straight to Hazard, seemingly thinking that it was his own player. That sparks another quick break, but this one ends with Elliot making a comfortable save at his near post from Costa's effort.

SHOT! Chelsea are starting to reel the shots off now. Again it is Costa who goes for goal this time, picking the ball up from Willian around 25 yards out before dragging his effort comfortably wide.

Smart turn from Cabella in midfield to get in behind the two protecting Chelsea's back four, but Ayoze Perez is offside ahead of him and the French playmaker has no-one else in support. He turns back on himself and is eventually crowded out. That was a decent attacking platform wasted for the hosts.

Newcastle get into another good position as they get behind the Chelsea defence for one of the first times, Perez beating the offside trap down the left channel. However, he looks up and sees that he has no-one in support and has to settle for winning a throw.

CHANCE! The best chance of the game falls the way of Newcastle! It is a lovely move from the hosts as Sissoko slips a pass in to Perez on the edge of the box, and the Spaniard turns to thread a through-ball into Colback. The former Sunderland man times his late run from midfield perfectly to stay onside, but Courtois is out quickly to thwart him.

That was a wake-up call for Chelsea, who have looked fairly comfortable in this match other than that incident. Newcastle will take a lot of confidence from that and, although it is their only really threatening moment of the game so far, they will feel that they are very much in with a shot of winning this one right now.

Chelsea threaten to break through Costa, but Colback makes an excellent challenge on the striker to win the ball back for the hosts. Chelsea had numbers forward then, so that was a very important tackle.

SHOT! Another sight of goal for Newcastle as Chelsea fail to fully clear a low pass into their box. The ball eventually falls to Colback, who lashes a wild first-time thunderbolt wide of the target.

Newcastle have grown into this game and are enjoying their best spell of the match so far right now. They have enjoyed 61% of the ball in the last five minutes and are ended the half on a high.

Half a chance for the hosts as Dummett slips a clever pass into the box for Cabella, who is in a dangerous position in space. However, the midfielder's touch lets him down and Chelsea are able to clear before Newcastle can make the most of the opportunity.

SAVE! We haven't seen much of Chelsea in an attacking sense in the last 10 minutes or so, but they test Elliot again here. Willian picks the ball up on the left flank and curls an effort goalwards, but it is fairly comfortable for the keeper. He launches a counter, and Perez does brilliantly to beat a couple of defenders before eventually getting crowded out.

Willian and Colback have had the best moments for their respective sides in the final third so far. Here is a shot of them battling each other for the ball:

CLOSE! Almost a spectacular end to the half as Fabregas chips a pass into the box which Oscar gets his head to, knocking the ball straight up into the air. He lines up a bicycle pick and connects perfectly, but the ball fizzes narrowly past the post.

There will be just one minute of added time at the end of this first half.

No goals in the first half here at St James' Park then, with the hosts so far doing a good job of containing the league leaders Chelsea. It has been an even match on the whole, with both sides enjoying spells in the ascendency, but Alan Pardew will probably be the happier of the two managers at the break.

The best chance of the match fell to the hosts in their first really threatening period of the match. Sissoko and Perez combined well to set up Colback, who stormed into the box with a late run. However, Courtois was quick off his line and made a good save to deny the midfielder.

Willian has come closest for the visitors, firing two low shots narrowly past the post before Newcastle had really settled into the match. Chelsea have threatened a lot of times on the break, with Hazard leading the charge more often than not, but so far they haven't really hit their stride in an attacking sense. Newcastle, on the whole, have been fairly comfortable at the back.

Rob Elliot was certainly not comfortable in between the sticks for Newcastle at the end of the half, injuring himself when taking a goal kick shortly before the break. He limped off the field and was not moving freely at all, so it would be a surprise to see him emerge for the second half. Third-choice keeper Jak Alnwick has been warming up at half time and could be called into action against the league leaders for his first senior appearance. That would be a huge blow to Newcastle, who are already without Krul until the next year.

Pardew will be content with his side's display in that first half. They struggled to get hold of the ball in dangerous areas throughout the opening 30 minutes, but they were the better side in the 15 minutes immediately before the break. He will he confident that his side can go on and win this match now.

NEWCASTLE SUB: The hosts do indeed make the change as Alnwick replaces Elliot. What a huge moment and test for the young goalkeeper.

KICKOFF: Chelsea get us back underway at St James' Park, and they will no doubt be looking to take advantage of the debutant keeper. Will we see a goal in this half?

More dangerous play from Hazard, who has got a lot more joy down the left than he did on the right. He gets to the byline and plays a very dangerous ball into the middle, but there are no blue shirts in there and the hosts can clear the danger.

YELLOW CARD! The first card of the game goes to Sissoko who, having only just returned from a suspension, will now miss the next game courtesy of his fifth caution.

Good defending from Taylor again here as he turns the ball behind for a corner when almost underneath his own crossbar. Moments early Alnwick made his first contribution, and it was a confident one from the youngster as he came for a free kick and punched it clear, clattering into Costa in the process.

Chelsea have made the brighter start to this second half, with Hazard beginning to look dangerous on the break once again. He faded out of the match a bit towards the end of the first half, but is back out on the left now and more involved.

NEWCASTLE SUB: An early change in the second half as Pardew turns to Papiss Cisse, who replaces Cabella.

Really bright play from Janmaat, who defends on the front foot by nipping in to steal the ball ahead of his man. He turns defence into attack quickly, but his attempted through-ball to Cisse is cut out. Newcastle maintain their pressure for a while, but Chelsea survive.

YELLOW CARD! Very untidy challenge from Taylor as he almost clotheslines Willian having let the ball bounce. A yellow card all day long.

CHANCE! Huge chance for Chelsea to break the deadlock, but it falls to the one man you wouldn't want on the end of it! The free kick arrives on the edge of the six-yard box, but Mikel puts it wide from close range. He should have scored!

Just seconds after Chelsea squander a huge chance, Newcastle take the lead! The hosts attack down the left flank and Sammy Ameobi plays a low ball right across the face of goal. Cahill should cut it out at the front post, but he allows it to squirm past him and Cisse is waiting in the middle to tap home from close range!

What have Chelsea got in response here? They need to improve if they are to get themselves back into this one, but that goal has given Newcastle such confidence that the hosts are looking most likely to get the next goal now.

CHANCE! A good chance for Newcastle to make it two! A corner arrives in the box and Chelsea can't get it clear in a short period of head tennis. It is eventually nodded back into a dangerous area but, under heavy pressure from Terry, Sissoko can't keep his own header down from close range.

CHELSEA SUB: Mourinho knows that something needs to change here, and Andre Schurrle is the man he has turned to. The German replaces Oscar.

SAVE! A lack of communication from Chelsea as Willian takes a fine Fabregas cross off the head of Azpilicueta, who was in a much better position. The visitors are able to recycle the ball and Schurrle drives one towards the bottom corner from range, but Alnwick gets down to make a decent stop - his first save as a Newcastle player.

YELLOW CARD! Schurrle goes into the book for a robust challenge from behind on Colback while the pair were contesting a header.

As you'd expect, there is an increased sense of urgency about Chelsea now and they are beginning to put Newcastle under heavy pressure. The Magpies will be glad that they have the likes of Coloccini and Taylor back there as they are likely to be forced into a lot of clearances in this final 25 minutes or so.

CHELSEA SUBS: Double change for Chelsea as Filipe Luis and Didier Drogba replace Azpilicueta and Willian. Attacking changes from Mourinho, who has now made all three subs.

He has been the scourge of Chelsea in the past, and as things stand he will be again today. Here is Papiss Cisse scoring the only goal of the game so far:

Newcastle are defending really deep now, and that is likely to be the pattern of this match for the final 20 minutes or so. It is attack vs. defence at the moment, and so far there has been no way through for the visitors. The hosts are getting all 11 men behind the ball.

Superb delivery from Ivanovic as he fizzes a low ball right across the face of goal. Costa is not sniffing around the six-yard box, however, while Drogba makes the run towards the near post too late.

Newcastle have a rare chance to break and Sissoko does really well on the left to carry his side forward. He slips his pass to Cisse inside the box, but the striker's flick inside is cut out.

YELLOW CARD! Tiote picks up a booking for a foul on Hazard, tripping the Belgian as he threatened to race away in midfield.

It really is relentless pressure now. Newcastle have no-one up front so, when they clear the ball forward, it is coming straight back at them. They are crowding out the middle of the park, though, so Chelsea are being forced to go down the flanks. The visitors have had a mammoth 91% possession in the last five minutes, but there is still no way through for them.

Great defending from Coloccini as he throws himself in the way of a Costa strike. It was good work from Drogba to set up the chance as he cushioned a header back to his strike partner, but Newcastle made a cracking block.

OFF THE POST! Chelsea almost have their equaliser! Costa gives the ball to Ivanovic on the right, and the full-back does really well to disguise his cross into the box, instead pulling it back straight to Hazard, whose low effort thumps the foot of the post.

Incredible! Newcastle again hit Chelsea moments after the visitors could have scored themselves! Martin Atkinson plays a good advantage to let the hosts break forward, and Sissoko is slid through on goal as Cahill fails to cut out the pass. The midfield makes a mess of his one-on-one chance, but the ball finds its way to Cisse, who again rolls it into the empty net.

YELLOW CARDS! Fabregas picked up his fifth booking of the season in the immediate aftermath of that second goal, while Costa has also just been booked for dissent.

It may not be game over just yet after all! Newcastle will have to play the final 10 minutes with 10 men as Taylor picks up a second yellow card for a late challenge. He can have no complaints there, and suddenly Chelsea have a bit of hope.

NEWCASTLE SUB: In response to that red card, Pardew makes his third and final change as Mike Williamson replaces Ameobi.

My word, what a dramatic few moments here at St James' Park! Chelsea pull a goal back, and you have to say that Alnwick is at fault. He has made a few good punches during his time on the field, but he gets nowhere near this free kick as Drogba nods it beyond the stranded youngster to halve the deficit. It is very much game on now!

This game has been completely turned on its head now. Within the space of five minutes we have seen two goals and a red card, and while a few minutes ago it looked beyond Chelsea, now you wouldn't bet against them getting something out of this one.

SAVE! Again Chelsea threaten from a set piece as Cahill gets his head to a corner. But his downward header is straight at Alnwick, who gleefully gathers the ball.

Just two minutes of normal time left for Newcastle to hold out here. Remember, if things stay the same then not only would Chelsea lose their unbeaten record, but Manchester City would have the chance to cut the gap to three points later today.

CHANCE! Again Drogba causes problems for Newcastle, holding the ball up and laying it off for Costa. The Spaniard curls one towards goal, but his effort is fairly central and Alnwick is able to turn it over the top.

SAVE! Another stop for Alnwick to make as Luis lets fly from range. The ball is moving all over the place in the air, but it is at a nice height for for the keeper, who makes a flying stop.

SAVE! This one is more straightforward for Alnwick as Ivanovic can't get enough on his header to really trouble the keeper. It really is one-way traffic right now!

The Newcastle fans aren't happy as the fourth official indicates a minimum of SIX minutes added time.

It is backs to the wall stuff for Newcastle right now! They are hanging on for their lives here as they edge ever closer to becoming the first team to beat Chelsea this season.

CHANCE! Another good chance for Chelsea, who are really causing problems with their aerial presence in the box. It is Terry who gets on the end of it this time, but his header is once again off target.

SHOT! Ivanovic is the latest to try his luck, hammering a shot from range that flies well off target. Time is running out for Jose Mourinho's side!

Newcastle have done it! They hold on with 10 men to become the first team to beat Chelsea in any competition this season, with second-half sub Papiss Cisse scoring a brace to lead his side to a historic victory. Drogba made things interesting late on with a goal shortly after Taylor had been sent off, but they couldn't find an equaliser in injury time. Chelsea's quest for invincibility ends at St James' Park, and what a result it is for the hosts. Man City now have the chance to cut the gap to three points later today.

Right, that is all we have time for this afternoon! Thank you for joining Sports Mole for what was a remarkable match as Newcastle finally end Chelsea's unbeaten run with a memorable 2-1 win. I will leave you with our match report, and be sure to stick around for reaction, analysis and player ratings. From me, though, it is goodbye for now!