Chelsea visit St. James’ Park for the next Premier League game with their sights set on moving to the top four. The London side have the same points as Newcastle, 63. Both sides have played 35 games. Enzo Maresca’s side will be without Fofana, Anselmino, Kellyman, Nkunku and Mudryk, who is facing disciplinary action. Marc Guiu will also be unavailable. Newcastle are looking to consolidate their place in the Champions League. Chelsea want to keep the pressure on and themselves to do the same feat. The atmosphere will be tense, with two teams coming in even in numbers, but different in confidence and form.
4-2-3-1 Chelsea Predicted Starting Lineup Against Newcastle United:
Defence:
Chelsea’s defence will feature an unusual line-up. Caicedo, who has played most of the season in the middle, will move to right-back. Chalobah and Colwill will be the centre-backs, both with the ability to anticipate, but with moments of lack of concentration.
Cucurella will occupy the left, looking to contain Newcastle’s surges. The absence of key players means that rotations will be forced. The defensive unit has not had much continuity, which leaves doubts. Sanchez will remain in goal. The key will be coordination, because Newcastle know how to punish mistakes quickly. High pressing will be another test.
Midfield:
In the middle, Chelsea will rely on the double pivot pairing of Lavia and Fernandez. The Belgian has a good eye for the ball and covers space. Enzo tries to contribute to the attacks, although he needs more support. The connection between the two has not been consolidated yet.
Palmer will play in front of them, looking to combine and filter passes. His creativity provides breathing space when the game gets stuck. However, without the likes of Nkunku and Mudryk, the workload is more on their shoulders. If Newcastle cut that axis, Chelsea will suffer. The mobility between them will be crucial.
Attack:
Up front, the London team will try Madueke on the left, Neto on the right and Jackson as the focal point in attack. Neto offers versatility, good touch and speed in transitions. He has vision to assist, although he needs to adapt to the team’s rhythm and tactical system. Madueke combines quick dribbling, aggressiveness and individual creativity. He sometimes exaggerates a bit too much while dribbling, but can break down defences with an unexpected move.
Jackson continues to show willingness, although his effectiveness has been irregular. The lack of clear alternatives on the bench forces Maresca to go with what he has available. The attack will depend on accuracy in the final third, something that has been a problem for much of the season. The pressure at St. James’ will not make things easy.
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