Newcastle United will, on Saturday evening, host Chelsea in the Premier League match-day 16 tie at St. James’ Park.
Newcastle head to the game after thrashing Southampton 4-1 in their previous Premier League encounter last Sunday, while Chelsea lost 1-0 against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.
The Magpies have lost each of their last five Premier League games against Chelsea, including a 3-0 defeat at St James’ Park, but it would be fair to say Newcastle are a completely different team at the moment.
Newcastle currently sit in the third position on the Premier League table with 27 points from 14 matches, whereas Chelsea are in the seventh position with 21 points from 13 matches.
Eddie Howe’s side have also progressed to the fourth round of the EFL Cup (Carabao Cup) after beating Crystal Palace on penalties after a goalless draw at St. James’ Park on Wednesday.
Chelsea, meanwhile, were also in Carabao Cup action, suffering a 2-0 defeat against Premier League champions Manchester City to exit the competition in the third round.
Chelsea’s recent league form has been disappointing as they have only picked up two points from their previous four matches, losing their last two against Brighton and Arsenal.
Newcastle’s team news:
Newcastle will again be missing the likes of Alexander Isak, Emil Krafth, Ryan Fraser, Matt Ritchie and Paul Dummett when they face Chelsea at home due to injury, while Callum Wilson is a doubt due to illness.
As expected, Newcastle manager, Eddie Howe, made a number of changes for the Carabao Cup clash with Crystal Palace on Wednesday, but the likes of Kieran Trippier, Bruno Guimaraes, Sven Botman, Miguel Almiron, Joe Willock, Fabian Schar and Kieran Trippier will all be back in the starting side against Chelsea.
Joelinton missed Newcastle’s last match against Southampton through suspension, but the Brazilian star is available for the Chelsea clash and is expected to get the nod over Jacob Murphy.
Newcastle United’s probable starting XI:
Pope, Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn, Guimaraes, Willock, S Longstaff, Joelinton, Wilson and Almiron.
Chelsea’s team news:
Chelsea will be without the likes of N’Golo Kante, Wesley Fofana, Reece James and Ben Chilwell for the Newcastle tie due to injury.
Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is also unlikely to take part in the Newcastle clash due to a foot injury, while midfielder Jorginho remains a doubt with the problem that kept him out against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup.
Chelsea manager Graham Potter will make changes from the team that lost to Pep Guardiola’s side on Wednesday, with Mason Mount, Kai Havertz, Raheem Sterling, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Thiago Silva all set to come back in.
Potter’s side could switch to a back four against Newcastle, with Cesar Azpilicueta coming in at right-back, while Trevoh Chalobah could get the nod alongside Silva in the centre-back.
Chelsea’s probable starting XI:
Mendy, Azpilicueta, Chalobah, Silva, Cucurella, Loftus-Cheek, Kovacic, Sterling, Havertz, Mount and Aubameyang.
Prediction:
Newspot predicts that Newcastle will play a draw against Chelsea. The match will end 1-1.
The kick-off time for Newcastle vs Chelsea is 6:30 pm.
EPL: Newcastle vs Chelsea: Preview, possible lineup, injuries, scoreline
Share your story or advertise with us: Whatsapp: +2347068606071 Email: info@newspotng.com
