For all the issues Chelsea had in the summer transfer window, the arrival of Maurizio Sarri seems to have transformed them into a much stronger side compared to last season. The quality additions, albeit very few, in the summer, have certainly helped the manager as Chelsea beat Arsenal last weekend, after strolling their way to all three points at Kirklees on the first week of the campaign.
They will look to continue their winning run when they face Newcastle United in a couple of hours. However, their last trip to Tyneside ended in a 3-0 loss and the Blues will hope that they can turn around the result and hand the Magpies their second loss of the season. Rafa Benitez’s side are coming on the back of an uneventful 0-0 draw against newly-promoted Cardiff City but this test against Chelsea will not be easy by any means.
Chelsea Team News
Isaiah Brown and Marco van Ginkel are ruled out with long-term injuries. Cesc Fabregas is nursing a leg injury and is likely to miss out.
PREDICTED CHELSEA LINEUP VS NEWCASTLE UNITED (4-3-3)
Defence
Young Kepa Arrizabalaga has settled into life in England pretty well and has already made five saves, a couple of them pretty crucial, in his short stint. He will have to put in a similar performance, with Chelsea playing away from home today.
David Luiz averages just two tackles and two interceptions this season but has six clearances and has won five aerial duels, with a passing accuracy of 93%. He should keep his place at the heart of the defence, alongside Antonio Rudiger, who has also been effective at the back.
Cesar Azpilicueta has four tackles and four interceptions along with three key passes and will be crucial for his side at right-back. Marcos Alonso has been one of Chelsea’s most effective player in both games registering a goal and an assist from left-back and will retain his spot in the first team.
Midfield
Jorginho has already opened his account in front of goal for Chelsea and he also has five clearances and three tackles to his name. He will play as the deepest of the midfielders, while N’Golo Kante, who has a goal and a passing accuracy of close to 90% will play alongside Ross Barkley, who needs to improve on his returns, in slightly advanced roles.
Attack
Alvaro Morata has a goal and a key pass to his name in two games and remains the best option in attack for Sarri. Eden Hazard, who has two assists, three key passes and six dribbles in just 43 minutes of action this season should replace Willian on the left flank while Pedro, who has two goals to his name already this season, will start on the right flank.
Here is how they might line up:
Stat Credit: Whoscored.com