Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew reckons the current Chelsea crop are the best he has ever seen.
The Blues are unbeaten this season and top the Premier League by six points ahead of reigning champions Manchester City.
Pardew admits he has been impressed by Chelsea’s stunning start but is hoping to end that unbeaten record when they travel to St James’ Park for tomorrow’s lunchtime kick-off.
He said: “It’s the best Chelsea team that I’ve ever seen and I’ve watched them since I was about 12 so I know them pretty well. I think Jose is pretty pleased with what he’s got.
“I think it’s difficult [to go the whole season unbeaten]. Obviously Arsenal have done it and Chelsea have come pretty close before.
“But not in all competitions - that is impossible and I think Jose has admitted that. But they’re making a very good job of it at the moment.”
Moussa Sissoko and Jack Colback will return from suspension for Newcastle but Pardew is still sweating over the fitness of his captain Fabricio Coloccini.
United boss Alan Pardew said yesterday: "We are in better shape because Moussa and Jack are available.
“Colo has been training, but whether we can call upon him in terms of being match fit I don’t know.
“He hasn’t really done much although he has trained today (Thursday) and done okay. Aarons is no for this week, but next week we think yes. De Jong is on way back and will be back around same time as Tim.”
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