GRAEME Souness will avoid casting an envious eye over the Chelsea line-up this afternoon because, in Craig Bellamy, he thinks Newcastle will have the most dangerous player on the pitch.

After being banished to the right of midfield earlier this season, Bellamy has returned to centre stage in the absence of the injured Alan Shearer.

His response has been emphatic - three goals in three games that have taken the Magpies into the knockout stage of the UEFA Cup and helped to earn four Premiership points against Crystal Palace and Everton.

Roman Abramovich's billions have helped Chelsea assemble an all-star attacking line-up that includes Didier Drogba - United's European nemesis last season - Icelandic international Eidur Gudjohnsen and Serbian hotshot Mateja Kezman.

But, rather than looking on longingly later today, Souness will be counting his own blessings as Bellamy goes in search of his tenth goal of the season.

"I don't look enviously at Chelsea," said the United boss, who will be desperate to end his side's run of 15 games without a win at Stamford Bridge. "I wake up every morning as manager of Newcastle United and think about how lucky I am.

"They've got some players that have won a few things and they've got some outstanding talent in their squad.

"But Craig is a player who would worry anyone. He does that for one reason and one reason only - his pace.

"I'm not suggesting that's all he's got to offer because he's got a great deal more than that, but his pace will be a worry for anyone he comes up against.

"We had a run-in during the early days but, since then, I've not had a single reason to complain about him.

"He's somebody who hates losing and oozes enthusiasm in every training session. He's a nark, he complains all the time, but I love that in players. He's got a desire about him which is very special.

"I guarantee we will cross swords again before very long, but as long as he shows me the same enthusiasm and determination to win games, I'll never have a lasting problem with him."

Newcastle's recent record at Chelsea is wretched - they have gone more than 280 minutes without even scoring a goal - and, with the Blues not having lost at home since February, the home side will start as firm favourites.

The Magpies were unlucky to lose the recent Carling Cup clash between the two sides though, and Souness remains confident of upsetting the odds.

"We have nothing to fear," he said. "I don't think Chelsea will be sitting down in West London thinking they just have to turn up to turn us over.

"They're going very well. In many people's eyes, Chelsea are the team that you have to beat if you're going to win the championship this year.

"But we've got some players that will cause them concern. We know their team is filled with top players but, if we take our chances, we can be a match for anyone."

Bellamy will partner Patrick Kluivert in attack, with Souness refusing to take any risks over Shearer's fitness despite the striker's attempts to recover from a thigh injury in time.

Nicky Butt's hamstring problem will keep him out of action until the New Year, so stand-in skipper Jermaine Jenas will line up alongside Lee Bowyer at the heart of midfield.

Kieron Dyer is likely to feature at right midfield, with Laurent Robert poised to make his third successive Premiership start on the opposite flank.

Souness' toughest decisions will have to be made at the back, with Ronny Johnsen and Robbie Elliott both returning to the squad after missing last weekend's 1-1 draw.

One will partner Titus Bramble at the heart of defence - probably Johnsen - with Aaron Hughes set to replace Steven Taylor at right-back.

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