Chelsea are back in Premier League action on Saturday when they travel to St James’ Park to face Newcastle United.
After a mixed start to the season, the Blues appear to be finding their feet under Mauricio Pochettino. While perhaps they weren’t convincing in the 4-1 win over Tottenham, there were more promising signs during the dramatic 4-4 draw with Manchester City at Stamford Bridge before the international break. The draw with Man City took the Pochettino-managed side’s unbeaten run to three games in all formats following the 2-0 defeat to West London rivals Brentford in October.
The Pensioners’ tough run of fixtures continues at the weekend against Newcastle, who despite being beset by injury problems have turned St James’ Park into a fortress.
Chelsea Team News
Chelsea’s injury list is finally starting to get shorter. Malo Gusto and Levi Colwill are expected to be available after pulling out of their international squads due to small knocks while Romeo Lavia and Christopher Nkunku are moving closer to making their debuts, meaning Wesley Fofana, Ben Chilwell, Carney Chukwuemeka, Marcus Bettinelli and Trevoh Chalobah are the only players currently out of action.
Predicted Chelsea lineup vs Newcastle United (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Despite Robert Sanchez blowing hot and cold this season, he will continue in goal for Chelsea.
Defence
In front of Sanchez, Chelsea are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Reece James, who withdrew from international duty to manage his injury problem, should retain his spot at right-back in the Chelsea lineup.
Thiago Silva and Axel Disasi must continue in central defence, with fit-again Levi Colwill expected to get the nod over Marc Cucurella at left-back in the Chelsea lineup.
The Chelsea back four have to be focused throughout the game to keep Newcastle’s attackers at bay.
Midfield
As for the midfield unit, Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Conor Gallagher should combine in the middle of the park in the Chelsea lineup.
Caicedo and Fernandez will hold the fort in the middle of the park and create attacks from deep. Operating as a No.10, Gallagher will be the link between midfield and attack.
Chelsea’s midfield trio must function very well in order to stop Newcastle from playing their natural game.
Romeo Lavia and Christopher Nkunku could get minutes off the bench if the duo is passed fully fit to play.
Attack
Finally, the offensive department should feature Raheem Sterling, Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson, who will spearhead the attack against Newcastle. The trio of Sterling, Palmer and Jackson have contributed heavily towards Chelsea scoring eight goals in the last two Premier League games, and the in-form Chelsea attack could cause problems for the Newcastle backline.
Armando Broja will be vying to make an impact off the bench.