Chelsea v Newcastle: Predicted Blues line up for visit of Magpies

Chelsea will look to get their season back on track when they face Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge on Monday night. 

After a difficult season so far, the Blues currently sit 11th in the Premier League table, one place below the Magpies.

Manager Mauricio Pochettino could rotate his side for the visit of Newcastle, and here we predict the XI that he could select.

Goalkeeper

Djordje Petrovic has rarely put a foot wrong since making his debut for Chelsea against Everton in December. The Serbian has played in each of Chelsea’s league matches since then, despite the return of Robert Sanchez from injury. Petrovic will expect to continue in goal for this one.

Defenders

Pochettino has experimented not only with personnel but also with formations this season, and the former Tottenham Hotspur boss could opt for a back three against Newcastle.

Axel Disasi rescued a point last time out against Brentford, and the centre-back will likely be given another start.

Disasi rescued a point for Chelsea against Brentford last week

Veteran defender Thiago Silva will expect to return to the starting line up after a recent injury lay off, and he could be joined by Trevoh Chalobah, who has recently returned to action after his own lengthy injury lay-off.

Both Levi Colwill and Benoit Badiashile are expected to miss the game due to injury.

Midfielders

If Pochettino does opt to field a back three, Malo Gusto will almost certainly be deployed at right wing-back. The Frenchman has been a rare positive for the Blues during his first season in London, and will expect to start this game.

Gusto has impressed so far this season

Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo have both endured frustrating starts to life at Stamford Bridge after huge money moves to the club, but the pair will likely once again line up along side one another.

Conor Gallagher has featured regularly for Chelsea this term despite links with a move away, and the Englishman will likely be selected to complete the Blues’ midfield trio.

On the left, Ben Chilwell is once again unavailable due to injury but Marc Cucurella made a timely return to the bench against the Bees and could now make his first start since the win over the Toffees in December.

Forwards

Cole Palmer has been arguably Chelsea’s best player so far this season, after making the move from Manchester City last summer. The Englishman has scored 12 goals and provided ten assists for his new side, and will expect to start on Monday night.

Jackson scored against Brentford last time out

Palmer will most likely be joined in attack by Nicolas Jackson. Despite the striker’s struggles in front of goal, Jackson has now netted eight times in the Premier League during his debut season in the competition.

Predicted XI: Petrovic; Disasi, Silva, Chalobah; Gusto, Fernandez, Gallagher, Caicedo, Cucurella; Palmer, Jackson