Premier League high-flyers Chelsea will be looking to continue their solid run of form in the league when they travel to St.James’ Park to take on a mid-table Newcastle United side. The Magpies are coming into this fixture on the back of a frustrating 2-0 defeat at the hands of Southampton last time out. The Blues, on the other hand, handed Sheffield United a 4-1 hammering, despite the Blades taking an early lead through David McGoldrick. This fixture is sure to come as a test of the Blues’ general resolve, as well as their credibility for being title contenders.
Lampard’s men currently sit in 5th place on the league table, with Newcastle United in 13th. While a win for the Magpies would be enough to push them well into the top half of the table, a Chelsea victory would see them go straight to the top of the pile, albeit only temporarily. The Blues have finally started to gel as a team this season, with a number of their summer signings all seemingly beginning to find form. As good as their attacking performances have been, it must be conceded that their defensive strength is what has come as a surprise. The combination of Thiago Silva and Kurt Zouma has been working wonders at the back.
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Chelsea fans would undoubtedly have had an extremely enjoyable international break, as players like Mason Mount, Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner and Mateo Kovacic all scored during the period. However, with it came the usual host of injury concerns. Ben Chilwell was one of the doubts for this clash, but the Englishman is likely to make his way back in time. Thiago Silva is unlikely to regain full fitness in time for this match, which means that Lampard could be forced to bring Antonio Rudiger into the team. Christian Pulisic’s hamstring injury means that he’s sure to play no part, while Kai Havertz’s positive COVID test essentially guarantees that he won’t be ready for this tie either.
Here Is The Predicted 4-3-3 Chelsea Lineup Vs Newcastle United:
Predicted 4-3-3 Chelsea Lineup Vs Newcastle United
Defence
Edouard Mendy has been nothing short of a revelation since coming into the Chelsea first-team this season, and his exploits have earned plaudits from all over the world. The keeper has only conceded one goal in the Premier League since making the switch – a record which effectively guarantees him a starting role on the weekend. Thiago Silva’s injury could force Lampard to play Kurt Zouma up with Antonio Rudiger at the back. The full-back combination of Ben Chilwell and Reece James is likely to continue for this outing.
Midfield
The unavailability of German starlet Kai Havertz means that Lampard will have to stick with a flat three in midfield for this clash. Irrespective, it takes nothing away from the strength that Chelsea possess in the core of the team. Jorginho could be given the nod in the lone anchor role, responsible for acting as the main link between the Blues’ defence and attack lines. N’Golo Kante put in a starring display in the win against the Blades last time out, and his place in the team has never really been under scrutiny. Mason Mount is another player who has impressed over recent weeks, with the English international expected to start this tie as well.
Attack
The addition of Hakim Ziyech has seemingly transformed this Chelsea attack line into one that should be feared by the rest of the division. The Moroccan’s set-piece delivery is right up there with the best in the world, and his exploits during international duty highlighted the kind of form that he has been in. Tammy Abraham is likely to stay in the number nine role and lead the line, with Timo Werner starting over on the left flank. The trio has managed to form quite the partnership over the last few weeks, and their coordination will be essential to the Blues’ playing well against the Magpies.
