Chelsea vs Newcastle team news, predictions & possible XIs
Chelsea and Newcastle both recorded impressive Premier League victories before the international break.
Frank Lampard’s side won 4-1 at Southampton while the Magpies stunned Manchester United with a 1-0 victory at St James’ Park.
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This weekend, the two sides will go head to head at Stamford Bridge with Chelsea aiming to move into the top four, and Newcastle potentially set to climb further away from danger.
Read on for our preview, predictions, team news, key men and more.
When is Chelsea vs Newcastle and where can I watch live?
Competition: Premier League
Venue: Stamford Bridge
Date: Saturday, 19 October 2019
Kick-off: 3:00 PM BST
TV coverage (UK): N/A
Last five meetings: Chelsea vs Newcastle
12 January 2019: Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle (Premier League)
26 August 2018: Newcastle 1-2 Chelsea (Premier League)
13 May 2018: Newcastle 3-0 Chelsea (Premier League)
28 January 2018: Chelsea 3-0 Newcastle (FA Cup)
2 December 2017: Chelsea 3-1 Newcastle (Premier League)
Aggregate Score: Chelsea (WWLWW) 10-6 Newcastle (LLWLL)
Ones to watch
Chelsea: Tammy Abraham
Tammy Abraham may not have gotten any game time for England during the international break, but the Chelsea striker will still be full of confidence going into another Premier League weekend.
Having already scored eight goals in eight league appearances this season, Abraham will be looking to add to his tally, potentially overtaking Sergio Aguero as the division’s top scorer. He is likely to keep his place in the team after finding the net against Southampton last time out.
Key stat: Abraham has attempted more shots (23) than any other player in the Premier League this season.
Newcastle: Joelinton
Joelinton’s winner in Newcastle’s surprise 1-0 win at Tottenham Hotspur remains his only goal since joining the club from Hoffenheim. Perhaps another tough away game will serve as inspiration for him to double his tally.
Despite his lack of goals, Joelinton has statistically been Newcastle’s most dangerous attacking player. He now needs to turn that promise into productivity if the Magpies are going to score enough goals to stay in the division.
Key stat: Joelinton has taken on more shots (10) and won more duels (55) than any other Newcastle player, while no Newcastle player has created more chances than his nine.
Team news
Chelsea
Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Achilles), Emerson Palmieri (thigh), Marco Van Ginkel (knee) are all sidelined, while Antonio Rudiger (knee) isn’t quite ready to return.
N’Golo Kante suffered an adductor strain during the international break but returned to light training earlier this week, so Lampard may be tempted to rest his star midfielder in case of aggravating the injury.
Predicted XI: Kepa; Azpilicueta, Zouma, Tomori, Alonso; Jorginho, Kovacic; Willian, Mount, Hudson-Odoi; Abraham.
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Newcastle
Isaac Hayden will serve the second game of his three-match ban. Matt Ritchie (ankle) is out while Florian Lejeune (knee) remains a doubt.
“There’s only Matt Ritchie and big Flo injured,” said Bruce at Friday’s press conference.
“We’re nearing a full squad, which is always good. So, in that respect, it’s been OK.”
Bruce also confirmed that Matt Longstaff, who scored his debut to sink Manchester United last time out, will start against Chelsea.
“How could I leave him out?” Bruce said.
“You can imagine what the kid’s been like, he’s been like a kid in a sweet shop. It’s been quite refreshing for all of us to witness the interview (after the Man United game). He beamed out of the television.
“It brought a refreshing humility to us all and it was a wonderful debut for the kid. We have to protect him and nurture him along the way because he’s got a big future ahead of him.
“He’s got to handle all that comes. Hopefully, we can help him in that respect. I don’t think I’ve witnessed as a good a debut. It wasn’t just the goal, that capped it too, it was the way he played in the whole game. It was terrific.”
Predicted XI: Dubravka; Krafth, Schar, Lascelles, Clark, Willems; Almiron, M Longstaff, S Longstaff, Saint-Maximin; Joelinton.
Squawka prediction
Newcastle will be bouncing after beating Man Utd but they could be sent crashing back down to earth at Stamford Bridge. Abraham is in fine form and should help himself to goals if the visitors don’t double-up on him, but that would leave the likes of Mount and Willian room to wreak havoc. All signs point to a home win.
Scoreline prediction: Chelsea 3-0 Newcastle
