By Wayne Veysey

13th Feb, 2016 | 4:57pm

Playmaker starts for Chelsea in Newcastle clash as regular duo axed

By Chelsea correspondent Tony Hughes

Eden Hazard has been recalled to the Chelsea team for their Premier League clash against Newcastle.

Pedro is also given a rare start in the match at Stamford Bridge on Saturday night as Oscar is omitted from the squad and John Obi Mikel is demoted to the bench.

With Gary Cahill replacing Kurt Zouma, who has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a torn cruciate ligament, in the centre of defence, Guus Hiddink has made three changes from the team that drew 1-1 against Manchester United last weekend.

There will also be a change of role for Cesc Fabregas, who drops back into central midfield to partner Nemanja Madic.

Loic Remy returns to the matchday squad to provide back-up to Diego Costa after recovering from a groin injury.

Team: Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Fabregas, Matic; Pedro, Willian, Hazard; Costa. Subs:  Begovic, Baba, Mikel, Loftus-Cheek, Traore, Kenedy, Remy.