By Matthew Jones
April 25 2004

Newcastle United are likely to go into today's game with Chelsea without Craig Bellamy, Kieron Dyer and Lee Bowyer, who have hamstring problems, while Jermaine Jenas and Shola Ameobi are also doubtful.

Jenas is suffering from a thigh injury, as is Shola Ameobi.

Striker Michael Bridges is hoping for a return to Magpies' first-team action, while Chelsea striker  Adrian Mutu (knee) will be missing for the visitors team.

Scott Parker (hamstring) is also out of the clash, while defender John Terry (ankle) is doubtul.

Damien Duff and William Gallas are ill, while Celestine Babayaro (hamstring) is struggling.

Newcastle defender Jonathon Woodgate is hoping that his side can bag three points today, as they look to secure a place in next season's Champions League.

Speaking about the competition, Woodgate said: "It (the Champions League) is the cup of cups. It's the biggest competition you can play in at club level.

"Everything about the Champions League is first class, it's where you want to be. There's always such a buzz around the stadiums.

"It was frustrating not to be part of things last season, but I knew that would be the case when I signed [from Leeds, as he was ineligible]. I hoped we'd be there again this season after finishing third last year, but it was a big let-down to lose in the qualifiers.

"We need to get back in there - we have to be. Personally, I think we are good enough to win the UEFA Cup and finish fourth at the end of the season."

Newcastle (from): Given, Harper, Hughes, Bernard, Woodgate, O'Brien, Bramble, Elliott, Taylor, Speed, Robert, Bowyer, Ambrose, Viana, Orr, Shearer, Ameobi, Bridges, Chopra.

Chelsea (from): Ambrosio, Terry, Desailly, Melchiot, Bridge, Lampard, Makelele, Geremi, Gronkjaer, Huth, Babayaro, Cole, Hasselbaink, Gudjohnsen, Crespo, Oliveira, Sullivan.

Referee: Rob Syles (Waterlooville)

Prediction: Newcastle 1 - 1 Chelsea