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Carver Focussed On Giving Chelsea The Blues
Written by Newcastle Utd
John Carver is determined to continue Newcastle United's impressive run of form against Chelsea
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor
John Carver is determined to enjoy his time on the Stamford Bridge touchline on Saturday, as he bids to continue Newcastle United's impressive run of form against Chelsea.
The Magpies have beaten the current Barclays Premier League leaders in four of their last six meetings - and triumphed over the Blues just last month on Tyneside.
Caretaker manager Carver knows he will be pitting United against a squad full of world class players but is focussed on leaving West London with three points.
"We've got a good record against them (Chelsea) and I've got to use that as a huge positive," he said.
"We're going up against one of the best sides in the Premier League, if not Europe, and one of the best managers.
"It will be great standing in the technical area next to him (Mourinho).
"I'm going to take it in my stride and I'm going to enjoy it but I want to win. Whatever means it may take, I'll do my best."
Newcastle were without the likes of Fabricio Coloccini, Daryl Janmaat, Jack Colback, Moussa Sissoko and Ayoze Perez for last weekend's FA Cup trip to Leicester City.
Carver is hopeful of having that quintet back available for selection and has also been given a boost by fit-again goalkeeper Tim Krul playing 45 minutes of a friendly on Thursday.
"We had genuine injuries and genuine issues last week," explained Carver.
"Some of them might have been niggles and some might have been more serious, but I picked the strongest team. It would have been a massive risk to put them on the pitch.
"Hopefully all those guys who missed out against Leicester will be available.
"The good news is that Tim Krul, who has been out for a number of weeks, has taken part in a behind-closed-doors game against Celtic. If he came through that then hopefully he will be available for the weekend.
"It will be huge (to have Krul back). He's been fantastic for this football club and I know it will give everybody a boost. He's a leader and we need leaders at Chelsea."