Marc Cucurella And Raheem Sterling To Start; Conor Gallagher Out: Chelsea’s Predicted XI To Face Newcastle

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino is a man under pressure following last weekend’s draw against Brentford.

The Blues currently sit 11th in the Premier League table; eight points adrift of the top six with 12 games to go.

Injuries have certainly played their part in the club’s struggles but fans are becoming increasingly impatient with performances and results. Pochettino could do with a win at home versus Newcastle on Monday evening.

Press the next page as we predict Chelsea’s starting lineup for the match at Stamford Bridge.

Goalkeeper and Defence

Gk – Djordje Petrovic – the Serbian has firmly established himself as first choice ahead of Robert Sanchez.

RWB –  Malo Gusto – thrived against Brentford after being given license to play further forward, and he will be looking to make the same impact against Newcastle.

CB – Axel Disasi – got the important late equaliser last Saturday but he needs to be more consistent defensively.

CB – Thiago Silva – Levi Colwill’s injury means that the 39-year-old will be recalled to the starting eleven.

CB – Trevoh Chalobah – didn’t do a lot wrong on his first Premier League start of the season last time out. Will keep his place if Pochettino continues with three at the back.

LWB – Marc Cucurella – Ben Chilwell’s injury means that the Spaniard could be thrown in at the deep end after 3 months on the sidelines.

Midfield

CM – Moises Caicedo – didn’t have the best of games at the Gtech Community Stadium and he will be hoping for better on Monday night.

Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes has been in good form so Caicedo will have to be at the top of his game to win the midfield battle.

CM – Enzo Fernandez – there’s no doubt that the Argentinian international is looking fatigued but the lack of other options means he will continue to play.

AM – Cole Palmer – Conor Gallagher hasn’t trained all week due to a virus so the summer signing is expected to be switched into a more central position.

Forwards

CF – Nicolas Jackson – Newcastle’s defence hasn’t exactly been watertight in recent weeks, and the Senegalese international is likely to have a few chances to get on the scoresheet.

Jackson took his goal well against Brentford, although he did miss a much easier opportunity prior to that.

CF – Raheem Sterling – if Cole Palmer is switched to play in a deeper position, Pochettino will have to decide who to partner Jackson with up front.

Mykhailo Mudryk is another candidate to consider but Sterling does have more experience leading the line.