Andre Villas-Boas has named Didier Drogba in the Chelsea starting lineup, with Fernando Torres once again among the substitutes for their trip to the Sports Direct Arena this afternoon.

Daniel Sturridge also retains his place on the wing while David Luiz continues at centre-half despite being criticised for the Blues' recent defensive problems.

In the one change to the side that beat Wolves 3-0 last weekend, Frank Lampard returns in midfield to replace Raul Meireles.

Danish forward Peter Lovenkrands comes into the Newcastle side too as Alan Pardew also makes one change from the side that drew with Manchester United last weekend.

Jonas Guittierez, who was sent off in that match, misses out through suspension.

Newcastle: Krul; Simpson, Taylor,S, Collocini, Taylor,R; Cabaye, Guthrie, Ben Arfa, Obertan; Lovenkrands, Ba

Chelsea: Cech; Ivanovic, Terry, Luiz, Cole; Romeu, Ramires, Lampard; Mata, Drogba, Sturridge