.LONDON: Newcastle manager Alan Pardew believes his side are capable of beating Chelsea for the second consecutive time at Stamford Bridge when the two clash tomorrow (12.30am).

Newcastle secured a memorable victory over Roberto Di Matteo’s charges in May - thanks to two sensational strikes from Papiss Cisse.

However, Chelsea have since bolstered their ranks with the likes of exciting attacker Eden Hazard, who has assisted five of his side’s total of six goals in the Premier League so far and Brazil international Oscar.

However, Pardew insists his team are more than capable of matching the Blues.

"Chelsea are the European champions. They won the Champions League and they have improved since then. Hazard looks a great buy. We know him well, so we know what to expect from him,” said Pardew.

"There are no surprises in that team, but I think in some ways, we can match them and give a good showing there. Certainly with this team, I think we are a little bit stronger than last season."

Newcastle finished above Chelsea for the first time since the 2002-2003 season thanks to the three points gained in the closing stages of last term and Pardew ranks the victory at Stamford Bridge as one of his greatest of his career.

"I had never won at Chelsea in any capacity. I have been there many times and it's a very difficult place to win, so that would go down as one of the great victories."


FIXTURES

TODAY

Swansea v West Ham (7.45pm)

Home win


Aston Villa v Everton (10pm)

Away win


Man United v Fulham (10pm)

Home win


Norwich v QPR (10pm)

A draw

Southampton v Wigan (10pm)

A draw

Sunderland v Reading (10pm)

Home win

Tottenham v West Brom (10pm)

Home win

SUNDAY

Chelsea v Newcastle (12.30am)

A draw

Stoke v Arsenal (8.30pm)

A draw


Liverpool v Man City (11pm)

Away win


Predictions by Malaysian Digest

- mD