Close Brothers At ‘war’ As Mikel And Amoebi Clash At Stamford Bridge

Stuttering Chelsea retained their Premier League lead by virtue of the alphabet heading into the New Year but will need a quick riposte at home to Newcastle United this afternoon to hold Manchester City at bay.

The match offers two players of Nigerian descent, John Mikel Obi of Chelsea and Sammy Amoebi of Newcastle the opportunity to engage each other in a brotherly war for the maximum points.

Jose Mourinho’s side gleaned a mere four points from nine during a frenzy of holiday fixtures and a humbling 5-3 loss at Tottenham Hotspur on January 1 meant champions City restored parity at the top having at one stage trailed by eight points.

An easy FA Cup win over second tier Watford offered Chelsea a breather, but they host managerless Newcastle knowing their margin for error between now and May is miniscule.

Buoyant City, who are level on points (46), goal difference (25) and goals scored (44) with Chelsea, are away at struggling Everton on the same day, looking to continue a blistering run which has yielded 26 points from the last 30 on offer.