Chelsea will be bidding to return back to winning ways after their midweek cup disappointment when they travel to Newcastle United on Saturday evening in the Premier League.
The Blues were dumped out of the EFL Cup by Manchester City on Wednesday, which made it three defeats in the last four games in all competitions for Graham Potter and his boys. The recent results have put Potter in a spot of bother and he will be desperate to buy a win.
Up next for the Pensioners is a trip to Newcastle United, who are flying in the Premier League this season and head into this game in high spirits.
Chelsea Team News
Jorginho missed the EFL Cup defeat to Manchester City with a foot problem but is back in training and is likely to make the squad.
Kepa Arrizabalaga, Reece James, Ben Chilwell, Carney Chukwuemeka, Wesley Fofana and N’Golo Kante all remain sidelined for Chelsea.
Predicted Chelsea Lineup vs Newcastle (3-5-2)
Goalkeeper
Edouard Mendy made some really good saves against Man City in the Carabao Cup to keep the scoreline down to 2-0. He will continue to deputise in the absence of Kepa in goal.
Defence
Thiago Silva was an unused substitute against Man City in the Carabao Cup, so the veteran defender will be fresh to face Newcastle. Joining Silva in the back three will be Trevoh Chalobah and Kalidou Koulibaly in the Chelsea lineup, as the Blues look to keep their shape intact throughout the 90 minutes against Newcastle.
Midfield
As Jorginho appears to be winning the race to be fit in time, the Italian could be paired with Mateo Kovacic in midfield in the Chelsea lineup.
The duo must look to keep things simple in midfield and try disrupting Newcastle’s rhythm at the weekend.
Marc Cucurella has been predominantly used in a back three by Potter but he could be given the license to express himself from the left wing-back role in the Chelsea lineup. Ruben Loftus-Cheek is likely to feature in the right wing-back role thus benching Azpilicueta in the process.
Mason Mount is likely to complete the midfield setup and he will be primarily tasked with providing the service to the two forwards from a slightly advanced midfield role.
Conor Gallagher and Denis Zakaria will be midfield options on the bench.
Attack
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is expected to lead the Chelsea attack against the Magpies. The Gabonese will need good service in the box to explode and score goals. Raheem Sterling should also feature in the Chelsea lineup, partnering the former Arsenal striker up front.
In Hakim Ziyech, Christian Pulisic, Armando Broja and Kai Havertz, Potter will have some exciting offensive options to bring on off the bench when required.