Chelsea host Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon in a game laden with implications at both ends of the Premier League table, but also with plenty of off-pitch talking points across the past couple of weeks. The Blues’ weekend started with the news that owner Roman Abramovich, already sanctioned by the government, was also disqualified as a director of the club by the Premier League.
Thomas Tuchel and his squad have been trying to keep matters focused on the pitch and they will be seeking a win here to reaffirm their grip on third place, which would leave them seven points behind Liverpool and 10 behind leaders Man City.
