Kante And Azpilicueta To Start, Lukaku And Werner Out: Chelsea’s Predicted XI To Play Newcastle

David Tully

3 years ago

Categories: Chelsea News, Galleries, Match Previews

Tags: Chelsea, Christian Pulisic, N'Golo Kante, newcastle united

Four Chelsea players were pictured back in training today, including captain Cesar Azpilicueta, N’Golo Kante, Andreas Christensen and Christian Pulisic.

However, there was still no sign of Romelu Lukaku or Timo Werner suggesting the pair won’t be ready to start against Newcastle tomorrow afternoon.

The Magpies still don’t have a manager, following the sacking of Steve Bruce, but they did get a creditable draw versus Crystal Palace last time out, under the guidance of caretaker Graeme Jones.

Press the next page as we predict Chelsea’s starting lineup ahead of the trip to St James’ Park.

GK – Edouard Mendy

Kepa came into the side for the Carabao Cup tie against Southampton during the week, and while the Spaniard impressed in the shootout once again, he was at fault for the Saints’ equaliser.

It is safe to say that Mendy’s position as the club’s number one won’t be under threat any time soon, especially when the 29-year-old is in such good form.

RWB – Reece James

Due to a mini injury crisis, the 21-year-old was asked to play at centre-back midweek but he will likely be restored to a wingback role tomorrow.

James was on the top of his game in the 7-0 rout of Norwich last Saturday and he will be hoping to cause Newcastle similar problems.

CB – Cesar Azpilicueta

As we have mentioned already, the 32-year-old has recovered from a minor shoulder problem so we should expect him to be reinstated to the starting lineup.

Trevoh Chalobah has, though, performed well in Azpilicueta’s absence so you can’t rule out manager Thomas Tuchel keeping the Spaniard on the bench.

CB – Thiago Silva

While Andreas Christensen is back available again, Silva has had a week’s rest after not playing against Southampton on Tuesday night so the Brazilian will be ready to feature this weekend.

Silva’s experience will be needed against the likes of Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin who possess both strength and speed.

CB – Antonio Rudiger

The German is Tuchel’s trusted lieutenant and he is generally one of the first names on the teamsheet these days. His future may well be up in the air but he continues to put in excellent performances.

Rudiger looks so assured on the left-hand side of a back three and his runs with the ball from deep also help set up Chelsea’s attacks.

LWB – Ben Chilwell

The 24-year-old has risen to the challenge in recent weeks, and his goals to games ratio (three in three Premier League appearances) is more akin to a striker currently.

Whether Chilwell can keep up that record in front of goal at St James’ Park tomorrow, we shall have to wait and see.

CM – Jorginho

Like Mendy, Silva and Rudiger, the Italian was rested for the Southampton match so he will almost certainly be named in the starting eleven tomorrow.

Jorginho was lively and sharp in the 7-0 victory over Norwich and he will want to carry that form into the clash against the Magpies.

CM – N’Golo Kante

The Frenchman is back in training but there will be arguments against starting him, considering he has only recently recovered from a muscular injury.

Tuchel will have the final decision on Kante’s selection. Mateo Kovacic was superb against Norwich but he did start on Wednesday so there is a case to be made for both to start.

RW – Mason Mount

The 22-year-old’s hat-trick and assist last weekend means he is a surefire starter for the Newcastle game. The midfielder had a rather underwhelming start to the season but he is now back to his best.

Mount claims that Tuchel was playing “mind games” with him last week, stating the midfielder was mentally tired, but the ploy must have worked, considering his recent performances.

CF – Kai Havertz

The German got his goal against Southampton and his upturn in form is timely with both Lukaku and Werner unlikely to be available tomorrow.

Havertz will be facing a back three at St James’ Park so it will be interesting to see how the 22-year-old deals with that.

LW – Callum Hudson-Odoi

The winger took his chance versus Norwich last weekend, but he did look a bit suspect when asked to play the wingback role in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday evening.

Christian Pulisic is back available, but he is likely to be named on the bench, so Hudson-Odoi could get another opportunity from the left-wing.