Predicted Chelsea line-up to face Newcastle in the Premier League
Chelsea will be aiming to get back to winning ways when they face Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge this Saturday evening in the Premier League. Maurizio Sarri’s men, who were held to a 0-0 draw at home to Southampton in their previous league game, defeated Nottingham Forest 2-0 in the FA Cup and lost the first leg of the EFL Cup semi-finals to Tottenham Hotspur.
As a result of that stalemate against the Saints, they are now only three points ahead of Arsenal who are at 5th place. Hence, a win is required to consolidate the Champions League places. Newcastle and Rafa Benitez will come with a plan though – being tough to break down.
Team News
Alvaro Morata has a thigh problem and is out for this game. Ruben Loftus-Cheek has a problem in his lower back and is ruled out for a while.
Probable Chelsea XI
Formation: 4-3-3
Manager: Maurizio Sarri
Kepa (GK)
The Spaniard is the team’s first-choice goalkeeper and starts every league game.
Cesar Azpilicueta (RB)
The captain starts every league game and that should be the case on Saturday.
Antonio Rudiger (CB)
After being rested for the FA Cup game, the German was included for the EFL Cup tie. He is a regular in the league games though.
David Luiz (CB)
The Brazilian was rested for the EFL Cup game and is expected to slot back into the line-up.
Marcos Alonso (LB)
He has had criticism coming his way in the past few games. The Spaniard’s defensive qualities need to be sharp in the upcoming games.
Jorginho (CDM)
He is the focal point of the system that is deployed by the manager. The Italian starts most games.
Mateo Kovacic (LCM)
Ross Barkley started the EFL Cup game and is expected to be on the bench. Kovacic should start as a part of the midfield rotation.
N’Golo Kante (RCM)
The Frenchman has done a good job this season despite playing in a slightly advanced midfield role. He will keep his place in the team.
Willian (LW)
He hasn’t been at his best in the last few games, hence, Chelsea fans would be hoping for more.
Eden Hazard (ST)
The Blues are short of quality centre-forwards in the squad, thus, we have seen Sarri playing Hazard in the false-9 position. Should be the case once again.
Pedro (RW)
He started the previous game on the bench and should be fresh to play from the first whistle of this match.
