Newcastle United will play hosts to Chelsea at St. James’ Park on Saturday afternoon as they look to pull off an upset at home. The Magpies have been grinding out some decent results in the Premier League, so they will fancy their chances of getting something out of this game versus the Blues.
Steve Bruce will set his side up in a 3-5-1-1 formation but will be sweating on the fitness of several of his first-team stars ahead of this weekend’s clash at Tyneside. Callum Wilson is a doubt for this game and will have to pass a late fitness test if he wants to lead the line for the Magpies up top.
3-5-1-1 Newcastle United Predicted Lineup To Face Chelsea
Defence
Karl Darlow will operate in goal for the Tyneside outfit after conceding two goals versus Southampton before the international break. Bruce is expected to opt for a back three of Fabian Schar, Jamaal Lascelles and Federico Fernandez for this home encounter against Chelsea. All three centre-backs will have to figure out a way to stop the likes of Tammy Abraham and Timo Werner on Saturday afternoon.
Paul Dummett is unlikely to recover in time for this match, but Ciaran Clark should be available for a place on the bench as he provides cover for the centre-half positions.
Midfield
Jack Hendrick and Sean Longstaff will assume the duties of the holding midfielders while Miguel Almiron looks to be more adventurous as a box to box midfielder. Jamal Lewis will feature as the left wing-back. On the other flank, Jacob Murphy will once again function in a restricted role as a makeshift right wing-back.
Allan Saint-Maximin will look to cause a lot of problems for the Chelsea defenders from the number ten position. Bruce will hope to use his pace and tireless running to exploit the opposition’s defensive weaknesses on the counter.
Ryan Fraser is a major doubt for this game but Isaac Hayden should be fit to start on the bench and might come on to make an impact in the second 45 minutes if needed.
Attack
Callum Wilson is expected to lead the charge for the Magpies up top if he can recover in time. Otherwise, Bruce will have to go with either Joelinton or Andy Carroll as his lone centre-forward. Wilson has enjoyed a rich vein of form in front of the opponent’s goal this season, so the Newcastle boss will have his fingers crosses with the hope that the striker can make himself available for this weekend’s crucial showdown versus Frank Lampard’s men.
