Merino at CB, Perez starts – Strongest 3-4-2-1 Newcastle line-up to face Chelsea

Predicted Newcastle United Line-up To Face Chelsea In The Premier League

Rafa Benitez’s side come into this match having lost four games in a row but this run seems unfair considering the football they have been playing. They were incredibly unlucky not to get anything from the Tottenham game and also played excellently in the second half of the Watford game. Overall, the Newcastle fans and Rafa Benitez will be delighted to be 10^th in the table coming into this game.

Chelsea come into this after a disappointing draw with Huddersfield and must win this game to give themselves the best chance of playing Champions League football next season.

Probable Newcastle XI

Manager: Rafa Benitez

Formation: 3-4-2-1

Martin Dubravka (GK)

This could probably be his last game for Newcastle if they choose not to sign him permanently. A quality goalkeeper.

Jamaal Lascelles (CB)

The powerful central defender had a good game against Tottenham, won everything in the air and led from the back. Was unfortunate not to keep a clean sheet.

Florian Lejeune (CB)

Lejeune has been excellent this season. He started off quite shakily but has turned into a quality defender for the Magpies. Has got himself a few assists as well.

Mikel Merino (CB)

Rafa Benitez may well match Chelsea with their three at the back in this game, which could see Merino come into the squad as a ball-playing centre-back. He started off excellently for Newcastle this season but has faded into obscurity recently. 

Paul Dummett (LWB)

Dummet is solid in a tackle and his pace and timing often get him out of situations he puts himself into due to his average positioning. May well play as wing-back here and get forward a bit more.

DeAndre Yedlin (RWB)

The right-back has bags of pace and this more advanced position suits him well. Has the ability to get forward and put a good ball into the box.

Mo Diame (CM)

The central midfielder has been a revelation for Newcastle this season and Rafa has moulded him into an excellent defensive midfielder. He has bags of energy and is always scrapping at the opposition’s heels.

Jonjo Shelvey (CM)

Had a very good game against Tottenham and was incredibly unlucky not to get on the scoresheet. He has improved over the course of this season and is rightly in with a shout of an England call-up.

Ayoze Perez (CAM)

Has had a fantastic season for Newcastle and works hard in the attack. He has also started to be more vocal on the pitch, something that Rafa seems to be encouraging.

Jacob Murphy (CAM)

The midfielder really should’ve scored against Tottenham at Wembley but the fact that he was in such a good position shows his progression this season. He is still young and Rafa seems to believe he can be turned into a great player.

Dwight Gayle (ST)

Gayle works harder than any player in the Newcastle team and that is why Benitez has stuck with him this season despite his goal-scoring record. He always chases the ball and creates chances because of this.