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Predicted Chelsea Line Up To Face Newcastle United – Hazard On The Bench, Oscar And Mikel Starts

Chelsea host Newcastle on Saturday at Stamford Bridge, hoping to continue their unbeaten run under Guus Hiddink. Since the appointment of Hiddink, Chelsea are undefeated in their last 11 matches, most previous one being a 1 – 1 draw against Manchester United last weekend.

Defender Kurt Zouma looks likely to miss the remainder of the season after suffering cruciate ligament damage against United. Diego Costa who scored late on to deny United all three points is likely to keep his place in the starting eleven at the expense of new signing Alexandre Pato.

Here are the possible starting XI that Hiddink might deploy against the Magpies.

Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois

The Belgian was struggling between the sticks recently but was back to his best against United, pulling of some amazing saves to deny Rooney and company. He is still Chelsea’s number one keeper and should keep his place in the side, if not injured.

Defenders: Branislav Ivanović, Gary Cahill, John Terry and Cesar Azpilicueta

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Hiddink will have to bring in Cahill alongside John Terry for the clash against Newcastle, after Kurt Zouma suffered a season ending injury against the Red Devils. Cahill should see this as an opportunity to cement his place in the Chelsea team as well as the national team. Terry announced recently that he hasn’t been asked to stay longer at Chelsea, hence will most likely leave this summer. Although he still remains one of the best defenders in the league. Ivanovic and Azpilicueta will continue as the two full backs. Ivanovic’s start to this season was disastrous but recently he has shown signs of improvement which is good news for the Chelsea hopefuls.