Chelsea boss Sarri admits he owes counterpart Rafa Benitez a debt of gratitude ahead of their showdown at St James’ Park later today (KO 4pm).
The Italian took over from Benitez at Napoli in 2015 before steering them to second place behind champions Juventus last season.
It was that success which led Chelsea to turn to the 59-year-old to replace Antonio Conte this summer.
But Sarri insists it was his predecessor who laid the foundations, and he will get the chance to show his appreciation when the Blues arrive on Tyneside.
“I have to say thank you to Rafa because when I arrived in Naples I had a feeling the team was almost ready to play my football,” he said.
“If I arrived after another coach maybe for me it was more difficult, so I have to say thank you to him.
“I know he is a very good coach. We know on Sunday it will be very difficult for us.
“These opponents are very dangerous for us, last season we lost 3-0, Manchester United lost there, Arsenal lost there, so we know it will be a very difficult day.”
Chelsea injury news: Who is out of the Newcastle clash?
Cesc Fabregas is still struggling with a knee injury picked during pre-season and remains a major doubt for the trip to Newcastle.
Midfielder Marco van Ginkel is unlikely to be available at all this season after having knee surgery this summer.
Meanwhile, Eden Hazard is in line for his first start of the season after two substitute appearances.
“I think that Eden is ready for 50 or 60 minutes, I don’t know about 90 minutes, but he can start,” Sarri said.
Chelsea predicted line-up vs Newcastle
Kepa Arrizabalaga
Cesar Azpilicueta
Antonio Rudiger
David Luiz
Marcos Alonso
N’Golo Kante
Jorginho
Mateo Kovacic
Pedro
Eden Hazard
Alvaro Morata
Newcastle vs Chelsea: Latest odds
Newcastle 9/2
Draw 3/1
Chelsea 4/6
Price boost: Eden Hazard to score first and Chelsea to win 2-0 or 2-1 (was 17/2), now 11/1
Odds supplied by Betfair