Newcastle United will take a trip to West London this weekend, as they face Rafael Benitez’s former side Chelsea in the 4th round of the FA Cup on Sunday.
The Magpies progressed to this stage of the competition after beating minnows Luton Town 3-1 in the previous round and Benitez would be hoping to pull off a major upset by ousting his former club out of the competition at this stage. Newcastle have lost just once in their past five games across all competitions.
Defenders Florian Lejeune and Jesus Gamez have been ruled out of the fixture due to foot and ankle injuries respectively. Centre-back Chancel Mbemba and forward Aleksandar Mitrovic are also slight doubts for the game.
The Newcastle academy graduate made his debut in the cup win over Luton Town and should be in line for his second appearance, on Sunday.
At right-back, we should see USMNT international DeAndre Yedlin come into the starting XI, with Javi Manquillo expected to make way.
Club captain Jamaal Lascelles is a key player for Benitez and will lead his side at the Stamford Bridge.
Partnering Lascelles at the back will be Republic of Ireland international Ciaran Clark. Will be making his 20th appearance of the season, across all competitions.
Completing the backline for the Tyneside outfit should be 26-year old Welsh defender Paul Dummett, who will slot in at left-back.
The former Norwich City man had a bright game against Manchester City last weekend and should be retained in the starting XI.
In the centre of the park, England international Jonjo Shelvey should once again start for the Magpies.
The former Borussia Dortmund midfielder did not get any minutes against City. Should come into the playing XI, in place of Mo Diame.
Another player who did not feature at all against the Cityzens, winger Matt Ritchie could be in line for a start, with Christian Atsu dropping out.
The Spanish forward grabbed a double in Newcastle’s win over Luton in the previous round. Will be hoping he can have a similar impact against the Blues.
At the top of the attack, it should be English forward Dwight Gayle. Hasn’t fired this season yet and the game against Chelsea would be the best occasion for him to start delivering.
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