Chelsea Prediction: Probable XI to face Newcastle United
Chelsea will be looking to make it back-to-back Premier League wins when they travel to Newcastle United on Saturday.
The Blues have beaten Nottingham Forest and Burnley in the FA Cup and Premier League respectively in their last two matches. Last weekend’s success over Burnley saw Frank Lampard’s side consolidate 4th position in the table, with fifth-placed Manchester United five points behind after 22 games.
Newcastle United, meanwhile, are on a poor run of form and will enter this contest on the back of a 1-1 draw with Wolves.
Team News
Christian Pulisic remains out with an adductor problem but Marcos Alonso could recover from his thigh injury before the game. N’Golo Kante has endured an injury-hit campaign and remains doubtful due to a hamstring problem.
Chelsea Prediction: Probable XI
Formation: 4-3-3
Kepa Arrizabalaga (GK)
The Spaniard kept a clean sheet against Burnley and will look to quickly shut the shop on Saturday.
Reece James (RB)
The youngster improved a lot under the guidance of Frank Lampard this season. James will most likely be seen at right-back at the weekend.
Antonio Rudiger (CB)
Rudiger has slowly nailed his place in the side after returning from his long injury lay-off. The German will retain his place in central defence.
Andreas Christensen (CB)
Partnering Rudiger will be Christensen, who helped Chelsea keep a clean sheet against a physical Burnley side in the last game.
Cesar Azpilicueta (LB)
Azpilicueta has shown signs of ageing but he continues to be a reliable figure at the back for Lampard. The skipper will keep his place at left-back.
Jorginho (CDM)
With Kante likely to miss out again, Jorginho will be tasked with shielding the backline and controlling the game from a deeper position in the midfield.
Ross Barkley (LCM)
The ups and downs in Barkley’s game have always been a concern and have kept him away from nailing down a first-team place. However, he had a top game against Burnley and will look to build on that performance.
Mason Mount (RCM)
Mount is enjoying a fantastic debut season with the Blues and is one of the creative players in Lampard’s squad. He’ll complete Chelsea’s midfield trio.
Willian (RW)
Willian has been one of Chelsea’s best players this season and is a certainty to start against the Magpies.
Callum Hudson-Odoi (LW)
The goal in the 3-0 win over Burnley should have given Hudson-Odoi some confidence and the youngster will be aiming to get on the score sheet again.
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Tammy Abraham (ST)
With 13 goals, Tammy is the Blues’ top scorer this term. The England international has led the attack very well and become one of the first names on Lampard’s team sheet.
