Without a league win in almost a month and desperately seeking a turnaround, on paper not many tougher tasks could await Graham Potter's out-of-form Chelsea side than a trip to high-flying Newcastle this weekend.
It speaks volumes about their contrasting fortunes right now that a Chelsea win at St James' Park would almost be considered an upset. The Blues, crowned European champions just 18 months ago, are languishing in a post-honeymoon phase under new head coach Potter, who initially went nine matches unbeaten after replacing Thomas Tuchel in September.
But red flags had already emerged long before that first defeat came on October 29, when they were thrashed 4-1 by none other than Potter's old employers Brighton, meaning it was no surprise to see them capitulate spectacularly that day.