As Chelsea gear up to host Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge, both teams find themselves eager to recover from recent Premier League setbacks. For Chelsea, confidence has been bolstered by their comfortable 4-1 victory over Panathinaikos in the Conference League midweek, though they remain mindful of their defensive vulnerabilities.
Meanwhile, Newcastle are aiming to regain their offensive edge after a difficult goalless run, which has seen them winless in their last four league games.
With both teams vying to climb the Premier League table, this fixture is crucial for their hopes of securing European qualification, despite it still being early in the season. Chelsea currently stand sixth, hoping to break into the top four, while Newcastle look to overcome their recent stumbles and reaffirm their competitive edge in the top half of the standings.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca will likely implement a rotated lineup, fresh off the back of European competition. Reece James’s return from injury gives the Blues a welcome boost in defence, with Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana also returning from domestic suspensions.
In midfield, Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo should continue to anchor the side, while Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson are likely to feature in the attack after strong recent performances.
Joao Felix, who impressed with a brace against Panathinaikos, will be competing for a starting spot, potentially edging out Jadon Sancho.
Sanchez; James, Fofana, Colwill, Gusto; Fernandez, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson
Here is how the side last lined up
Newcastle face continued injury issues, particularly with forward Callum Wilson and defenders Sven Botman, Kieran Trippier, and Jamaal Lascelles sidelined. This places pressure on Eddie Howe to balance his squad, though Dan Burn is expected to return after a minor knock. The likely full-back pairing of former Chelsea academy players Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento should bring extra motivation as they face their former club.
Harvey Barnes could see a return to the starting lineup, replacing Jacob Murphy, alongside Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon in attack. The midfield trio of Joelinton, Sandro Tonali, and Bruno Guimaraes will aim to stabilise play and keep Chelsea on the defensive.
Pope; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Joelinton, Tonali, Guimaraes; Barnes, Isak, Gordon
Here is how the side last lined up
