Jose Mourinho believes Newcastle reserve the "game of their lives" for his Chelsea side, but "look like they are playing friendlies" against other Barclays Premier League rivals.
Mourinho will chase a first league win as Chelsea boss at St James' Park on Saturday, confirming Diego Costa will start up front after suspension.
Spain hitman Costa missed Wednesday's 3-0 Stamford Bridge victory over Tottenham, with Didier Drogba and Loic Remy both on target.
Even with the return of their prolific summer signing, though, Mourinho knows his runaway league leaders face a tough test at Newcastle - where the Blues can set a new club-record of 24 games without defeat.
"When they see the Chelsea shirts they play the game of their lives, and against other teams they look like they are playing friendlies," said Mourinho.
"It's difficult; it's a difficult stadium to play (in).
"Maybe this is because Chelsea in the last decade has become a strong team that everyone wants to beat."
Brazil-born Costa has already racked up 12 goals in 17 games this term since joining from Atletico Madrid, and Mourinho believes the 26-year-old merits an immediate return.
"Diego," said Mourinho when asked who would start at Newcastle, before shaking his head to play down Remy's St James' Park connection.
Mourinho has already confirmed 36-year-old Drogba's long-term future is in his own hands at Chelsea, but said he cannot comment on the Ivorian's potential as a coach.
"I don't know his qualities as a coach because I never saw him coach," said Mourinho, who wants Drogba to remain at Stamford Bridge when he retires.
"For me that's a new story.
"My personal story is that he is still a very good player, and if he wants my advice in the future I think he should stop when he wants, when he feels. Not be waiting for me to decide or the club to decide.
"We love him, we want him: he's a great football player and should stop when he wants.
"After that I know (Chelsea owner Roman) Mr Abramovich is very happy to keep him in the club in every area where he feels and we feel he is useful and happy.
"But that's after he makes a decision to stop his career."
Chelsea make the trip north on the back of a phenomenal run of form which has seen them win 16 of their 21 games in all competitions this season, while drawing the other five. The Blues were also unbeaten in their final two games of last season, setting up the chance for a club record this weekend.
However, that is of no interest to Mourinho, who said he will continue to chase trophies over setting records at Chelsea this term, while suggesting his players are probably not even aware of the fact they could break new ground if they return from Newcastle unbeaten.
"They don't know the record: I don't think they know," said Mourinho.
"If you don't tell me 20 times I wouldn't know.
"I don't care about records.
"The record I want is to win the Premier League three times at this club, that's all I want.
"I'm not looking for records, I'm looking for points, victories and points, and if possible at the end of the season, titles.
"As a consequence of that, but as I was saying, I'm not concerned with that.
"We just want to win the next match, that's all.
"The only thing that matters for me in the Premier League is that I've won the title twice."
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