Chelsea will clash heads with Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon, hoping to pick up a win on their home turf. The Blues will be heading into the contest on the back of a comfortable 3-1 win against Norwich City, whereas the Magpies recorded a narrow 2-1 victory over Southampton.
Team News
Ben Chilwell and Reece James will be unavailable for the weekend clash, whereas Callum Hudson-Odoi and Cesar Azpilicueta remain as doubts.
The availability of Marcos Alonso (COVID-19) and Christian Pulisic (illness) depends on late fitness tests.
Thomas Tuchel will probably opt for the 3-4-3 formation; however, he is expected to make a couple of changes for the upcoming contest. N’Golo Kante might get the nod over Mateo Kovacic in midfield, whereas Hakim Ziyech looks likely to make his way back into the starting eleven.
3-4-3 Chelsea Predicted Lineup Vs Newcastle United
Defence
Edouard Mendy is expected to start between the sticks for the upcoming clash. The Senegalese shot-stopper will hope to put up a strong performance and secure a clean sheet on Sunday.
Thiago Silva is expected to start at the heart of Blues’ backline, whereas Antonio Rudiger will feature at the left centre-back spot. Andreas Christensen will fulfil the right centre-back position.
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Midfield
Jorginho and N’Golo Kante might fulfil the holding midfield positions, with the former occupying a more central role. The pair would be looking to dominate the midfield proceedings.
Saul Niguez will start at the left wing-back position, whereas Cesar Azpilicueta will fill in on the other flank as the right wing-back. The duo would be expected to stretch Chelsea’s attacks in the opposition half.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek will have to settle for a place on the bench, but he could be brought on in the latter stages of the game if needed.
Attack
Hakim Ziyech and Mason Mount will slot into the attacking midfield roles. The duo would be determined to set up some clear-cut goal-scoring chances for the front-men.
Kai Havertz might lead the line for Chelsea this weekend. The 22-year-old striker will be hoping to find the back of the net when he faces off against the Newcastle defence that has conceded three goals in their last five league matches.
Romelu Lukaku might come on to make a cameo appearance in the second forty-five minutes.
