Nine days after the dramatic win against Southampton, Newcatle return to Premier League action against Chelsea.
It’s going to be a really tough game for Steve Bruce’s side. Last week’s win came at a price, with multiple injuries and a suspension.
All the while, Chelsea are unbeaten since Thomas Tuchel replaced Frank Lampard.
Bruce will have to make four changes to the team that beat Southampton, but how will his side line up?
Three changes in defence
Newcastle defended brilliantly last week, but change is afoot.
While Federico Fernandez, Jamaal Lascelles and Ciaran Clark could return, Bruce will be without Fabian Schar and Javi Manquillo.
Emil Krafth will take the Spaniard’s place, while Jamal Lewis should continue at left-back.
But with Bruce getting defenders back, Isaac Hayden should be able to play in his best position – centre midfield.
Ciaran Clark will surely start, having missed last week’s game due to a family matter rather than injury.
Hopefully he plays alongside a natural centre-back, and I’ll go for Lascelles to return as captain.
More of the same from Willock
Joe Willock had a perfect debut last week. He scored the opener, then dug in to secure a vital three points. More of the same, please.
Jeff Hendrick’s suspension means there’ll be one change in midfield, and I expect Hayden to play in front of the defence.
Jonjo Shelvey will surely start as well, but needs to improve to justify his place in the team.
No striker vs Chelsea?
The big blow from last week was the injury to Callum Wilson.
The forward is set to be out for the next six to eight weeks, leaving Bruce with a bit of a dilemma up top.
He’s got options, but they aren’t particularly inspiring.
Dwight Gayle has barely featured this season, Joelinton is out of form, while Andy Carroll doesn’t suit the high press we’ve started to implement.
And considering the calibre of the opposition, I can see Bruce throwing a curveball and going with Ryan Fraser.
That would mean Newcastle effectively have two wingers leading the line, but the pace of Fraser, Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron could cause Chelsea serious problems on the break.
If we’re going to get a result at Stamford Bridge, we need our creative players to be firing just like last week.
Predicted XI to face Chelsea: Darlow; Krafth, Lascelles, Clark, Lewis; Hayden, Willock, Shelvey, Almiron; Fraser, Saint-Maximin.
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