Chelsea travel to St. James’ Park to play Newcastle United on Saturday, and they could further extend their gap between themselves and Manchester United this weekend, who are fifth in the Premier League table.
The Blues have won three of their last four games in all competitions, and have bounced back well after a difficult December.
They face a Newcastle United side that have lost four, drawn one and won one of their last six Premier League games.
The London side are the overwhelming favourites going into this game. The last time these two sides faced off in the league, Chelsea narrowly edged it 1-0.
Chelsea Team News
Christian Pulisic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are expected to miss the game, while N’Golo Kante is a doubt, having missed the last game as well.
Kante could be given a little more time to recover from his injury, and be brought back into the side for the game against Arsenal on Tuesday.
Let’s take a look at the possible team that Chelsea manager Frank Lampard could put out against Newcastle United.
Predicted Chelsea Lineup vs Newcastle United
Goalkeeper
Kepa should keep his place in the Chelsea lineup, having made more starts than any other player for Chelsea this season.
Defence
Kurt Zouma was an unused substitute for Lampard against Burnley last weekend, but he could return to the Chelsea lineup, replacing Andreas Christensen in the heart of the Blues defence. Antonio Rüdiger should start alongside him at the back.
Reece James, who signed a new contract with Chelsea this past week, has been in splendid form, and he should continue at right-back. César Azpilicueta should also continue in his left-back slot, although Emerson is an option as well.
Midfield
Lampard may give Kante a rest and keep Ross Barkley in the Chelsea lineup, after impressing against Burnley.
He should start alongside Jorginho, with Mason Mount playing as the third midfielder. Mateo Kovacic is another option, but he too could be brought back for the big game against Arsenal.
Attack
We could see the same front three of Tammy Abraham, Willian and Callum Hudson-Odoi for the game against Newcastle United with Pulisic out due to injury.
Mount could be an option on the left with Kovacic in midfield, but Willian’s good form could keep him in the Chelsea lineup.
