Chelsea head coach Maurizio Sarri has heaped praise on Newcastle United counterpart Rafael Benitez ahead of the Premier League fixture between the two clubs.

The pair have a lot in common, with Benitez having previously managed Chelsea and having worked at Napoli directly before Sarri's arrival in Naples in 2015.

Sarri has revealed that Benitez's work at the Serie A side had given him a headstart, with the Italian praising the job that Benitez had done at the club.

At a press conference, Sarri told reporters: "I have to say thank you to Rafa. When I arrived in Naples I had the feeling that the team was almost ready to play my football. If I arrived after another coach it may have been more difficult for me.

"I have to say thank you to him. He's a very good coach. On Sunday it will be very difficult for us. We know that our opponents are very dangerous. Chelsea lost 3-0 there last season but Manchester United and Arsenal also lost there. We know that on Sunday it will be a difficult game for us."

Chelsea head to St James' Park having recorded wins over Huddersfield Town and Arsenal since the start of the top-flight campaign.