Eddie Howe's 'free hit' shift away from cameras hints at Newcastle plan Chelsea haven't seen

Eddie Howe has insisted that Newcastle United's game against Chelsea is not a 'free hit' as the Magpies' boss looks to mastermind another memorable result at Stamford Bridge.

Newcastle go into Sunday's clash full of confidence following the 2-1 victory against Southampton, which extended the black-and-whites' unbeaten run in the Premier League to nine games. Chelsea are also in good form, but there could yet be a strange atmosphere at Stamford Bridge on Sunday in the Blues' first home game since owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK government.

Newcastle have only picked up a point so far in games against sides currently in the top five, which shows how difficult these matches are, but Howe has previously pulled off some impressive victories against Chelsea. In fact, during his spell at Bournemouth, Howe won three of his five Premier League games at Stamford Bridge, getting the better of Jose Mourinho, Antonio Conte and Frank Lampard in the process.

Newcastle are likely to only have a day's training for the game, given the quick turnaround, but rather than worrying too much about Chelsea's undoubted strengths, as previous managers have, the Newcastle head coach will instead focus on how the Magpies can hurt Thomas Tuchel's side. That has been Howe's approach whether Newcastle are facing league leaders Man City or bottom of the table Norwich City.

"Your preparation is key," he told reporters. "We've tried to be very consistent with how we prepare.

"I think that's helped us so we will be the same regardless of the opposition. There are certain things we need to do well against any opponent. I don't think that really changes.

"We will have our way of preparing. We will do that to the best of our ability and