It has felt like an extremely long international break, but finally Newcastle United are back in action as they prepare to face Chelsea at St James’ Park.
It is a tough start to a difficult week for the Magpies, with Eddie Howe’s depleted squad taking on an improving Chelsea side.
But they are far from the finished article under Mauricio Pochettino, while Newcastle fans will have some confidence given how good the club’s home record is this season.
It could be a bit of a makeshift team, however, and this is the Newcastle starting XI we predict Eddie Howe to pick against Chelsea
Tino Livramento at left-back against Chelsea
Newcastle are not going to have a recognised left-back against Chelsea. Dan Burn and Matt Targett are both injured, while Lewis Hall is ineligible to play against his parent club.
Paul Dummett is available, but he is considered as a centre-back now by Eddie Howe.
That means that either Kieran Trippier or Tino Livramento will have to play on the left, and we are going with the latter. That is simply down to the fact we think Livramento is better suited to playing on the left against PSG on Tuesday, so this is a chance for the £32million man to get some minutes in that position.
Lewis Miley starts again for Newcastle
Having received his first ever Premier League start against Bournemouth, we anticipate Lewis Miley to retain his place in the starting XI.
On that night he replaced Bruno Guimaraes, but the Brazilian is back after his suspension and international exploits.
But with Sean Longstaff a doubt, Miley should keep his place in the side. It will be a huge opportunity for the 17-year-old, who impressed against Saturday’s opponents Chelsea during pre-season.
Alexander Isak is back in the team
Eddie Howe needs to be careful with his forward line on Saturday. He will want his attackers to threaten the Blues defence, while he will be aware that he needs his stars to be fit for Tuesday night in Paris.
That is why we expect Alexander Isak to start after recovering from injury, but do not be surprised if the ‘outstanding‘ 24-year-old only plays for an hour.
As for Miguel Almiron, it has been claimed that he has an outside chance of starting against Chelsea. Instead, we believe he will get some minutes off the bench in preparation for the Champions League clash with PSG.
Predicted XI vs Chelsea: Pope; Trippier, Lascelles, Schar, Livramento; Miley, Bruno, Willock; Gordon, Isak, Joelinton.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
