Predicted Newcastle United line-up to face Chelsea in the Premier League
Newcastle United make the trip to the Stamford Bridge on Saturday as they take on Maurizio Sarri’s Chelsea in the Premier League.
The Magpies have won just one of their last nine games in all competitions and drew 1-1 with Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup third round last weekend. Rafael Benitez will hope to see Newcastle United bounce back to winning ways but it would be an uphill task against the Blues.
Chelsea, on the other hand, head into the game placed 4th in the Premier League table as Sarri will be desperate for a win at the Stamford Bridge.
Team News
Karl Darlow will miss the trip to Chelsea through injury, while Mohamed Diame and Federico Fernandez remain doubtful.
South Korea international Ki Sung-yueng is off on Asian Cup duty, while Jonjo Shelvey and Paul Dummett have left for Barcelona for treatment on their injuries and are doubtful for the weekend game.
Probable Newcastle United XI
Formation: 5-4-1
Manager: Rafael Benitez
Martin Dubravka (GK)
Reliable and experienced, Dubravka will look to keep a clean sheet against Chelsea.
DeAndre Yedlin (RWB)
Yedlin is a pacey customer who could cause problems down the right for Marcos Alonso.
Fabian Schar (RCB)
Schar will his a task cut out to contain the Chelsea attack on Saturday.
Jamaal Lascelles (CB)
The leader of the pack, Lascelles will have to be at the top of his game to keep the in-form Hazard at bay.
Florian Lejeune (LCB)
Lejeune’s return from injury will be a massive boost for Benitez. The Frenchman will complete Newcastle’s three-man rearguard.
Javier Manquillo (LWB)
Newcastle United will have to be very tight at the back to avoid giving space to the Chelsea forwards. In that case, Manquillo could get the nod at left wing-back.
Isaac Hayden (CDM)
With Shelvey and Diame doubtful, Hayden remains the only midfield option left at Benitez’s disposal.
Ayoze Perez (RCM)
Perez could start in a withdrawn role against Chelsea. The Spaniard has struggled for form this season but has got the backing of the manager.
Christian Atsu (LCM)
Atsu has been Newcastle’s most lively attacker in the last few games. He is a certain starter for this game as the Ghanaian looks to haunt his former club.
Matt Ritchie (CAM)
Ritchie could be handed a start against Chelsea. The diminutive Scotsman will look to connect the play between the midfield and the attack.
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Salomon Rondon (ST)
Rondon will be Newcastle’s biggest threat going forward. The Venezuelan could be a handful for the Chelsea defenders as Benitez aims to upset the Blues on Saturday.
