Chelsea vs Newcastle predicted XIs: Confirmed team news and probable lineups
The Premier League action continues on Monday evening as Chelsea host Newcastle in what promises to be an entertaining contest at Stamford Bridge.
It’s easy to argue that both these teams have underwhelmed this season and that’s certainly the case for the Blues, who suffered a heart-breaking loss against Liverpool in the EFL Cup final a fortnight ago and entered the weekend in 11th place in the top-flight standings.
Newcastle, meanwhile, have found some form again after their mid-season blip, but Eddie Howe’s Magpies are still on the outside looking in when it comes to sealing another crack at European competition next season.
“Unfair” to make comparisons to previous Chelsea teams
For the second season running, Chelsea are fighting to finish in the top half of the Premier League table. Last year they failed that challenge, finishing 12th in what was their worst season for a long while — not a great start to life under the new owners.
And it isn’t going much better this year. Faith has been put into Mauricio Pochettino but the Argentinian is currently struggling to get the best out of a unbalanced young squad, with the owners splashing the cashing in the summer. Chelsea go into their game against Newcastle in 11th, knowing that even a win wouldn’t see them leapfrog the Magpies into the top half, with Eddie Howe’s side sitting four points clear in 10th.
Pressure has been put on Pochettino, by media and fans, particularly after Chelsea lost the EFL Cup final to Liverpool. As the game neared its conclusion after 90 minutes, Chelsea were in control and it felt as though Liverpool were there for the taking.
But from the start of extra-time Chelsea sat back, playing for penalties, and Liverpool eventually took the game through a late Virgil van Dijk winner. Chelsea are a team used to winning, particularly under the previous ownership. But Pochettino believes it is unfair to compare years past to the current Chelsea crop.
It is completely unfair, sometimes, to compare different periods of the club as the circumstances are different than in the past,” he told reporters.
“It is impossible to see if you are better, another is better, or now someone different can do worse or better. It is a different project.
“Today is a different Chelsea. If you are going to judge us and analyse the situation compared to the past of Chelsea, hey, for sure, no one is going to win.
“I came here because I knew it is going to be tough, but I always knew we would need time and belief. The project is about young players and a new team, always you need time.”
BetMGM sign-up offer: Get £40 in bonuses when you bet £10
Not signed up to BetMGM yet? Here's how eligible readers* can take advantage of their welcome offer:
- Open an account at BetMGM using this link.
- Select the Sports Welcome Offer.
- Get the offer from the ‘My Offers’ page.
- Deposit and place a £10 bet at odds of 1/1 (2.0) or greater.
- When it settles, unlock £40 in bonuses
New customers only. 7 days to place qualifying bet of £10+ at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x £10 Free Bets: 1 x £10 Acca, 1 x £10 Horse Racing, 1 x £10 Football, 1 x £10 Bet Builder. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.
Chelsea vs Newcastle team news
Chelsea’s lengthy injury list has increased with Ben Chilwell and Levi Colwill both forced to miss this contest, while midfielder Conor Gallagher has been battling illness in the build-up to the game and is a doubt.
Carney Chukwuemeka, Reece James, Benoit Badiashile and Christopher Nkunku also remain sidelined for the Blues.
Newcastle are without England full-back Kieran Trippier, who is struggling with a calf injury, while Nick Pope, Joelinton and Callum Wilson are also absent. Lewis Hall is ineligible to play against his parent club.
Chelsea vs Newcastle predicted line-ups
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Petrovic; Gusto, Silva, Disasi, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, Sterling; Jackson.
Newcastle (4-3-3): Dubravka; Livramento, Schar, Botman, Burn; Longstaff, Guimaraes, Willock; Murphy, Isak, Gordon.
