Chelsea absences can boost Newcastle - Shola Ameobi

Ameobi netted a brace in the 4-3 Carling Cup defeat of Chelsea in September

Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi says the absence of several key players in the Chelsea squad can only aid United's chances of winning on Sunday.

The Premier League champions, minus Michael Essien, Frank Lampard and John Terry, head to Tyneside without a win in their last two matches.

"If there is a time to play Chelsea it is now," Ameobi told BBC Newcastle.

"They're not blowing teams away like they were doing. They've had players out and it's showed in their results."

Ameobi added: "There is a bit of hope for us there, we know that if we play at our top level, then regardless of who's playing we've got a chance of beating anyone, and that will be key on Sunday."

Meanwhile suspension to the Magpies' regular centre-back pairing of Mike Williamson and Fabriccio Coloccini has opened the door to a first Premier League start in Newcastle colours for former Arsenal defender Sol Campbell, plus a first outing of the season for Steven Taylor.

Taylor, 24, suffered a serious shoulder injury in July's pre-season friendly with Carlisle United at Brunton Park, and following his return to fitness has struggled to force his way back into the first XI at St James' Park.

"Mike and Coloccini have done very well this season, that's why they're in the team, but if there was a chance for them in the next three games to stake a claim it's now,"

"Sol [Campbell] brings invaluable experience to our side, he's been a top class player for 10-15 years, and Steven Taylor has been dying to get in the team.

"He's been frustrated by injuries in the last six months, and I know he'll be looking forward to this game, knowing the kind of guy he is he'll be thriving on it.

"It's great to be able to rely on the likes of them to step in and do a fabulous job for us."

Ameobi was part of the Newcastle side that overcame a Chelsea side in the Carling Cup earlier this season, scoring a brace in the 4-3 win at Stamford Bridge back in September.