Newcastle United resume their Premier League duties after the international break on Saturday with a home fixture against Chelsea.
The Magpies went into the international break off the back of a 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium. Eddie Howe admitted the two-week international break had come at a good time for his squad which has been rocked by a spate of injuries.
The Newcastle United boss will be hoping to bounce back to winning ways against Chelsea, who are in good form of late and drew 4-4 with champions Man City in their last league game.
Newcastle United Team News
Newcastle have been suffering from an injury crisis with multiple key players out. Callum Wilson has picked up a hamstring issue, joining Dan Burn, Sven Botman, Jacob Murphy, Harvey Barnes, Elliott Anderson, and Matt Targett on the sidelines.
Miguel Almiron and Sean Longstaff sustained injuries against Bournemouth. While Longstaff is unlikely to be fit for the visit of Chelsea on Saturday, Eddie Howe is likely to have both Almiron and Alexander Isak available for selection.
Bruno Guimaraes will also be back after serving his suspension against Bournemouth but Lewis Hall will not be able to play a part against his parent club.
Predicted Newcastle lineup vs Chelsea (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Nick Pope kept Newcastle away from embarrassment with a series of key saves in the 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth before the international break. The England international is expected to start in between the sticks for the hosts against Chelsea.
Defence
With Lewis Hall ineligible to face Chelsea, Tino Livramento is set to get a start against his former employers. He would slot in at right-back, with Kieran Trippier moving to the opposite side of the defence in the Newcastle lineup.
With Sven Botman and Dan Burn sidelined with injuries, Jamaal Lascelles should continue partnering Fabian Schar at the heart of Newcastle’s defence.
Midfield
Bruno Guimaraes’ return from suspension is a big boost for the Magpies, and he walks straight into the Newcastle lineup. Operating as the central defensive midfielder, the Brazilian will look to protect the back four and break up the opposition attacks. As the No.8s, Joe Willock and Joelinton will look to add creativity and drive to the side.
The trio of Bruno, Willock and Joelinton have to function in sync if Newcastle are to dominate Chelsea in the middle of the park.
Attack
Alexander Isak is expected to start up front after recovering from a groin problem, with Miguel Almiron and Anthony Gordon adding creativity, pace and flair from wide areas in the Newcastle lineup. Isak will look to drop deep at times to link play and get his teammates into the game.
Gordon has been Newcastle’s brightest spark of late, and he alongside Almiron will be responsible for providing service to Isak in the box.
