Jose Mourinho and his team have arrived at Stamford Bridge… #CFC https://t.co/fDS3cQcloa
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 10, 2015
The New Year has kicked off for Chelsea on a rather shocking note. Post a 5-3 drubbing at the hands of the London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and the Blues set down to conquer Watford last weekend. The Premier League leaders put up a convincing show, by making the visitors taste a 3-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge. That being said, post the first victory of the year, the Blues would find themselves in the comfort zone before they gear up against Newcastle.
Meanwhile, John Carver’s Newcastle appears to be unfazed by the challenge of going head to head against Mourinho’s men at Stamford Bridge. The Tyneside club ‘s 2-1 win over Chelsea at St James’ Park last month made it three consecutive home league triumphs against Chelsea. However, the state of affairs seems to be quite different for The Magpies, while in their visit to West London. On a very interesting note, the Magpies have managed to earn only one league victory at Stamford Bridge till now since 1986. Here is our prevision on the possible starting lineup of the Blues against the Magpies:
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
The Belgian has had a good season between the bars so far. Unfortunately, the youngster has been nursing his fingers during half-time, in the game against Tottenham Hotspur. Nonetheless, Courtois should be fit enough to shrug off his injury and stand between the posts against Newcastle.
Defence: Branislav Ivanović, John Terry, Gary Cahill, César Azpilicueta
Branislav Ivanović has performed exceptionally well at the right back slot for Chelsea over the past two seasons and shall continue against Newcastle too. John Terry, was assigned the dug out against Watford. However, the skipper is expected to feature in the starting eleven and continue at the heart of defence.
Meanwhile, Gary Cahill’s selection is a bit of a question mark. With a string of unimpressive performances off late, there are every chances that Mourinho might hand a starting berth to youngster Zouma. But knowing Mourinho, an unchanged backline is what you would normally expect.
César Azpilicueta was solid against Watford last weekend. He provided a brilliant assist for Zouma’s goal. A player of sheer quality and class, and continues to be Mourinho’s top pick for shoring up the defence.
Midfield: Cesc Fàbregas, John Obi Mikel, Willian, Oscar
Cesc Fàbregas was kept sidelined from the squad against Watford. However, the Spaniard is all set to return against the Magpies. Fàbregas has been at his very best for Chelsea and would look forward to continue to his superb spell in the Blue jersey at Stamford Bridge this weekend.
On the other hand, as a one match ban keeps Nemanja Matic away from the squad, John Obi Mikel may make his way to the playing eleven. Meanwhile, Willian continues to spark his talent in the park. The Brazilian would be a profitable inclusion if the Blues are to intensify their midfield. Oscar, too, may turn out to be handful against the industrious Newcastle United side.
Attack: Eden Hazard, Diego Costa
Eden Hazard along with Diego Costa is likely to lead the strike for the Blues. Hazard has been one of the most dangerous players in the Chelsea line up so far. The Belgian has been getting better with each face off. Diego Costa, too, continues to be a quality player with superb finesse. That being said, Mourinho surely would not wish to drop his bests in the weekend big-league fixture at Stamford Bridge.
Here are the confirmed lineups:
Chelsea: Cech; Ivanovic, Zouma, Terry (c), Azpilicueta; Matic, Fabregas; Willian, Oscar, Hazard; Diego Costa
Subs: Courtois, Cahill, Filipe Luis, Mikel, Ramires, Remy, Drogba.
Newcastle United: Krul; Janmaat, Coloccini (c), Williamson, Dummett; Sissoko, Anita, Colback; Cabella, Perez, Gouffran.
Subs: Woodman, Santon, Haidara, Ameobi, Vuckic, Armstrong, Riviere.