Newcastle United will take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Monday night hoping to grind out a result in the English capital. The Magpies managed to secure a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Southampton last weekend, which will give them some momentum heading into this tough away clash versus Thomas Tuchel’s men.
Steve Bruce could set his team up in a 5-3-2 formation but has got a whole host of injury worries to cope with ahead of this game. Paul Dummett, Emil Krafth and Ciaran Clark could all start in the injury absence of Federico Fernandez, Javier Manquillo and Jamaal Lascelles. Jeff Hendrick will also be unavailable for selection on Monday due to suspension.
5-3-2 Newcastle United Predicted Lineup To Face Chelsea
Defence
Karl Darlow will continue to feature in goal for the Tyneside club after shipping in a couple of goals versus the Saints in his last Premier League outing. Bruce might opt for a makeshift back three of Isaac Hayden, Ciaran Clark and Paul Dummett as he won’t have Fabian Schar, Federico Fernandez and Jamaal Lascelles available for this game.
Emil Krafth is expected to start at right-back while Jamal Lewis gets another chance to shine on the other flank as the left-back. Bruce will ask both of them to keep a solid shape at the back so that they can restrict the Blues from getting in behind them out on the wide areas.
Midfield
Joe Willock, Jonjo Shelvey and Miguel Almiron could make up the Newcastle midfield as they focus on disrupting Chelsea’s rhythm at the centre of the park. The hard-working trio will also have to find a way to feed some decent balls to the front players when launching attacks on the counter.
Attack
Allan Saint-Maximin will lead the line for the Magpies alongside Joelinton in the final third. Callum Wilson has been ruled out for several weeks because of a hamstring tear, so Bruce will have to find a way to cope with his first-choice striker’s absence away at Stamford Bridge on Monday.
Andy Carroll and Dwight Gayle will have to settle for a spot on the bench but might come on to influence the game in the latter stages if required.
