Predicted Chelsea XI to face Newcastle United in the Premier League

Chelsea will be looking to make it five wins in a row in all competitions when they play host to Newcastle United on Saturday, as Premier League action returns with plenty of thrills and spills after the second international break of the season.

The Blues absolutely demolished Southampton 4-1 away from home in their previous fixture heading into the international break and Frank Lampard will be hoping for his team to continue their fine run of form against the Magpies, who currently sit 16th in the standings.

Steve Bruce, though, has already grabbed two big scalps with victories over Spurs and Man United in the Premier League this season, and it remains to be seen whether the Magpies would be able to pull the rabbit out of the hat once again when they make the trip to Stamford Bridge.

Team News

Frank Lampard has plenty of injuries to contend with heading into the weekend clash against Newcastle. N’Golo Kante pulled out of the France squad after feeling pain in his adductor muscle, while Andreas Christensen suffered a groin injury while playing for Denmark.

Emerson (thigh), Antonio Rudiger (groin), Mateo Kovacic (leg) and Reece James (ankle) are all doubtful to feature, while Newcastle’s visit is likely to come way too soon for Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who is yet to recover fully from his long-term calf problem.

Predicted XI

Formation: 4-3-3

Kepa Arrizabalaga (GK)

The Spaniard has been a figure of reliability between the sticks for Chelsea and he is likely to be one of the first names on Lampard’s teamsheet.

Cesar Azpilicueta (RB)

The veteran has recovered from a shaky start to the campaign with some strong performances in the last few games and he continues to be a leader at the back for the Blues.

Kurt Zouma (CB)

The Frenchman has shown signs of improvement after a dismal start and he is expected to continue at the heart of the defence in the absence of Rudiger and Christensen.

Fikayo Tomori (CB)

The youngster has gone from strength to strength over the past couple of months ever since Lampard handed him his league debut and he definitely deserves to continue at the back this weekend.

Marcos Alonso (LB)

The Spaniard has grabbed his opportunities with both hands in the absence of Emerson and he is likely to continue in the playing eleven on Saturday.

Jorginho (CDM)

The former Napoli star has added a lot more dynamism to his game under Lampard and he continues to be one of the pillars for Chelsea in the middle of the park.

Ross Barkley (RCM)

With Kante and Kovacic both struggling for fitness, the stage is set for the 25-year-old to carry his international form into the Premier League and prove his worth to Lampard after a disappointing start to the season.

Mason Mount (LCM)

The youngster has established himself as one of the mainstays under Lampard and there is no reason why he shouldn’t start on Saturday.

Willian (RW)

The veteran has turned a lacklustre start to the season on its head with some dazzling displays in the last few games and he is likely to get the nod ahead of Pedro, who hasn’t had much of an impact.

Callum Hudson-Odoi (LW)

The teenage sensation netted a brace in England U-21s victory over Austria on Tuesday and he will be expected to continue his rich vein of form against Newcastle.

More Chelsea News

Tammy Abraham (ST)

The academy graduate has been firing on all cylinders in the Premier Leauge this season with 8 goals in 8 games and Chelsea will once again rely heavily on him to find the net and propel them to all three points on Saturday.