Tuchel To Ring In The Changes | Predicted 3-4-3 Chelsea Lineup Vs Newcastle United

Chelsea are hoping to retain their place at the top of the Premier League table when they play hosts to Newcastle United on Saturday. The Blues are heading into this game on the back of a tense win over Southampton via penalty shootout to advance through to the quarterfinal of the Carabao Cup. The reigning European champions are also on a run of five consecutive victories in all competitions, making them the undisputed favourites this weekend.

Predicted Chelsea Lineup Vs Newcastle United

Defence

Thomas Tuchel made quite a few rotations to the team that faced Southampton in midweek. The likes of Malang Sarr and Trevoh Chalobah were given an opportunity to prove themselves while Kepa Arrizabalaga started in goal, even producing a memorable display during the penalty shootout.

Nevertheless, Tuchel is expected to revert those changes and field his strongest backline. As such, both Thiago Silva and Antonio Rudiger are set to return to the heart of the Chelsea backline, offering their wealth of experience alongside the youthful exuberance of Andreas Christensen.

There should be a change in goal as well, with Kepa making way for Edouard Mendy, who has been one of the best performing goalkeepers in Europe this season.

Midfield

N’Golo Kante has missed the last few matches due to a muscle fatigue. But Tuchel insists there is nothing to worry about and the Frenchman is tipped for a start heading into this encounter against Newcastle United.

Alongside the Frenchman, Jorginho will assume his role as the main number six. The Italian will be hoping to orchestrate the game and use his experience to offer security in the second line of press.

Elsewhere, in the wingback position, Cesar Azpilicueta is a doubt heading into this game. However, we expect the Spaniard to return to full fitness and start ahead of Reece James at right wingback while Ben Chilwell remains a guaranteed starter on the opposite flank.

Attack

Meanwhile, in the offensive unit, Chelsea will have to remain without Romelu Lukaku due to his injury. The Belgian joins Christian Pulisic in the list of attacking absentees for the Blues.

It remains to be seen how Tuchel opts to replace Lukaku this weekend. But Kai Havertz remains the favourite to continue in the false nine role, with the additional help of Mason Mount and Callum Hudson-Odoi.