Jase

And now Pellegrini is at it too with the mind games.

Eden Hazard praises Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho praises new signings and looks forward to welcoming Didier Drogba back to Stamford Bridge

Mourinho's pre-match presser earlier today... http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1bgvoc_manager-s-press-conference-pre-newcastle_sport

Better than this rant I suppose...

Maybe so. We may have spent loads of money but that is one way of looking at it. Look at the players and their age, despite being quality, we got and compared that to City. Either way, it's hilarious that he has reacted to Mourinho's comments, not just on our title chances but also City's, when he should know that Jose, if anything, was trolling or trying to rile up oppositions. Pellegrini basically took the bait a tad too easily.

Well TBF, he wasn't exactly performing like he is now last year and consistently, was he?

I guess Strike was highlighting Ivanovic's goalscoring exploits in the really big game.

Seems like Pellegrini has got touchy with Mourinho's talk about our title chances.. http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1707799/man-city-boss-manuel-pellegrini-hits-back-chelsea-jose-mourinho-title-talk?cc=4716

Find it somewhat hilarious that the Sun think we won't beat at least one of Everton, Tottenham, Arsenal and Liverpool despite having a good record against the Top 8 teams this season.

Nah. We'll loan him to Vitesse.

True but on the other hand, I don't think anyone would really fault them if Newcastle park the bus (should note that I actually have been the term rather loosely rather than literally) or being defensive minded in this game. If they can get a positive result, it would at least restore some confidence. That being said, I'm not saying here they WILL park the bus/being defensive but won't be surprised if they take up that approach and regardless of that, am sure they will at least show some fight after last weekend's result. If not, then good for us. Anyway at the end of the day, I'm sure we can agree on the fact that we should be beating these lots come Saturday, regardless of their approach, especially when their better players are all missing or sold.

I get your point and no offence but if you want to be THAT dismissive of Newcastle's mindset and approach to this game, then that is your view. They might not need the points but they may well want to make amends and restore confidence in the team and fans after the drubbing to Sunderland. At times, there are things more important than just gaining the points.

I don't see why only teams that are desperate for a point will only park the bus. Newcastle are basically coming into this game without their best or better quality players and it would be foolish to come here and attack with an understrength side, if you like, and risk a heaving beating against a big side in fine form. If they actually do that, then good. Will make it easier for us since we always have issues in breaking down sides that park the bus. However, I wouldn't rule them out in taking such approach (the smaller teams always seem to come here and be defensive anyway, regardless of circumstances). Newcastle are on a poor run of form having lost 4 of their last 6 league games and the last thing they need or want is to get thrashed again especially when their bitter rival already did it to them last weekend.

With so many players either out injured or having been sold by Newcastle, it will probably lead them more to the idea of parking the bus against us..

Also, thanks to @Drogzola for his contribution.

That's because Gomez suffered a serious knee injury that kept him out for the last 5 months. Otherwise, he has scored 2 goals in 3 league appearances.

If Courtois didn't say that, then good but that still doesn't detract the point of him talking way too much in the media especially on the things he has said on the GK situation with Cech at the club.

Again agree but at least those players you mentioned there knows how to control it, if you like. They use(d) their arrogance on the pitch rather than off it and while Courtois is performing on the pitch, he seems to be going extreme off it with this attitude/ego.

Valencia are really taking the piss with getting Otamendi. Got rid of that piss poor Rami but then bought 2 identical defenders, in terms of quality, in Senderos and Otamendi.

Cahill has got 'issues'...