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Iron Mike Relishing Chelsea Test
Written by Newcastle Utd
Chelsea's attacking options would frighten many defenders, but not Mike Williamson who insists that Newcastle can overcome any team on their day
By Dan King - Newcastle United Digital Editor
The prospect of facing Fernando Torres, Samuel Eto'o, Juan Mata and Oscar would be enough to give most defenders nightmares, but not Mike Williamson.
Indeed, the big defender - expected to line-up in central defence for Newcastle when they host Chelsea on Saturday - is thoroughly looking forward to playing against some of the best attacking players that the Barclays Premier League has to offer.
On Wednesday night, he performed admirably against Manchester City's Edin Dzeko and Alvaro Negredo - two players who cost £40m between them - in the Capital One Cup and this weekend he will again be charged with keeping an eye on some of the best attacking talent in the country.
But, speaking to nufcTV, the 29-year-old former Torquay and Wycombe man smiled: "That's why it's one of the most exciting leagues in the world.
"It's fantastic to test yourself against these top players and I just relish every opportunity I get to put the Newcastle shirt on, because it is an honour.
"I'm just enjoying it at the minute and long may it carry on.
"The lads know the qualities we've got in the group and we know on our day, we can beat anyone so it's just all about replicating our defensive shape and hopefully on Saturday we'll get that rub of the green and get a few more goals."
Williamson has started each of United's last four games but has not had a settled centre-back partner. In the win at Cardiff, he played alongside Fabricio Coloccini and at Sunderland he was paired with Paul Dummett but in midweek, Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa was given the nod after returning from suspension.
And Williamson said: "He's a quality player and it's nice to play alongside him.
"We've had injuries and it shows the strength-in-depth we have. Dummy came in and did fantastic, Mapou's come in, and it's just all about continually trying to keep the back line solid and together and let the offensive players do their stuff."
Click here to watch the full nufcTV interview with Mike Williamson