Newcastle United take on title contenders Chelsea in Graeme Jones’ second game as interim manager following Steve Bruce’s departure.
The Magpies got a point last week against Crystal Palace, but rarely looked like making it three.
Now they face a Chelsea side who arrive at St James’ Park on the back of thrashing Norwich 7-0 then reaching the quarter finals of the Carabao Cup.
But how will Jones set his side up against the European champions?
No Martin Dubravka…yet
Ahead of the game, Jones confirmed that Elliot Anderson and Paul Dummett are the only two players unavailable due to injury.
That means Martin Dubravka could return, having missed the entirety of the season so far.
However, it would be a surprise to see the Slovakian replace Karl Darlow, who has looked solid since returning himself.
There will hopefully be one change at the back, with Federico Fernandez replacing Emil Krafth.
Miguel Almiron in, Ryan Fraser out
Ryan Fraser was a shock starter against Crystal Palace last week. However, the Scotland international struggled in a centre midfield role.
He was replaced by Miguel Almiron in the second half, and the Paraguayan was much more influential.
Almiron should take Fraser’s place in the starting XI, but don’t expect to see him in the middle.
With Chelsea boasting some incredible attacking talent, it would be a surprise to see Newcastle start with two up front.
We expect Jones to tinker with the system and shift from a 3-5-2 to a 3-4-3 (or a 5-4-1 if you wish).
That will force Almiron to play on one wing, with Allan Saint-Maximin on the other.
Predicted XI vs Chelsea: Darlow; Manquillo, Fernandez, Lascelles, Clark, Ritchie; Almiron, Hayden, Longstaff, Saint-Maximin; Wilson.
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