Keegan: Magpies are unbeaten in seven

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Newcastle will be hoping to dent Chelsea's title charge when they meet at St James' Park on Monday.

The Magpies are on a seven-game unbeaten run and will provide a stern test of the Blues' credentials.

Kevin Keegan's side have also won their last three matches at home, scoring seven goals without reply.

Victory over Avram Grant's men would see the Magpies wrap up 12th position in the table, a decent achievement after their early season woes.

However, Chelsea are desperate for the points to keep the pressure on fellow double-chasers Manchester United at the top, and would move level with the Red Devils should they take maximum points from their visit to Tyneside.

The Blues are unbeaten in seven matches in all competitions and are currently on a sequence of 19 league games without defeat, the longest run without a loss in the top flight this season.

They are also unbeaten in their last nine games away from Stamford Bridge and have only failed to score in one of their last 19 Premier League outings.

Chelsea have struggled on recent visits to St James' Park though and have not won there since December 2001.

They did secure all three points in the reverse fixture between the sides earlier this season, when a late Salomon Kalou effort gave them a 2-1 victory, and will be keen to complete a double over the North East outfit.

Viduka returns

Kevin Keegan could have Mark Viduka back in contention for the visit of the UEFA Champions League finalists.

The Australian striker has been struggling with an Achilles injury of late but is expected to be fit enough to take his place in the squad.

James Milner (foot), Abdoulaye Faye (groin) and David Edgar (head) should also recover in time to play, but Stephen Carr remains a doubt.

No worries

While Newcastle are still sweating over the fitness of a number of their players, Chelsea will have a fully-fit squad to choose from.

Avram Grant's only concern was the slight leg injury picked up by Michael Ballack in the midweek European victory over Liverpool, but the German midfielder looks likely to shake off the problem in time to make the journey north.