Predicted Newcastle lineup to face Chelsea: First start for Harvey Barnes

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Newcastle United’s pre-season tour of America continues on Wednesday night when the Magpies face Chelsea in Atlanta.

It is Newcastle‘s second game of the Premier League Summer Series, having started with a 3-3 draw with Aston Villa. That was an entertaining game full of goals, and fans will hope for more of the same.

Eddie Howe will want more control, and will be keen for his side to step up another gear against strong opposition. Chelsea are a team to look out for this season, as they aim to bounce back under Mauricio Pochettino.

The Magpies will likely go with another strong starting XI, and this is our predicted lineup to face Chelsea

Another chance for Jamaal Lascelles to impress

Having missed the first two friendlies of the summer, Jamaal Lascelles finally got some minutes in the tank against Aston Villa.

He came on at half time, and looked really sharp in the second half. Not much got past him, and he was also a lot more impressive with his passing. There was one long ball over the top for Anthony Gordon that was reminiscent of Fabian Schar.

Lascelles played really well, and deserves the chance to start again.

First Newcastle start of the summer for Joelinton

Another player who made his first appearance of the summer on Sunday was Joelinton. He was all action against Villa, and unsurprisingly got booked after one foul too many.

Perhaps he was making up for lost time, but a start against Chelsea will give the Brazilian a chance to really re-find his rhythm in midfield.

We believe he will start alongside Bruno Guimaraes, but Toon fans will have to wait to see that duo next to Sandro Tonali.

Instead, Elliot Anderson will hope to start again and build on the incredible momentum he is gathering this pre-season. He was outstanding against Villa, and will be keen to do the same on Wednesday night.

Harvey Barnes on the left against Chelsea

After a brief 20 minute cameo last time out, the Chelsea game will be the first proper chance Toon fans get to see Harvey Barnes in action.

He will hopefully start on the left of attack, and will be eager to prove why he cost the club so much money.

We anticipate he will start alongside Alexander Isak and Miguel Almiron, who have both scored one goal each so far this summer.

Predicted XI vs Chelsea: Karius; Trippier, Lascelles, Botman, Burn; Joelinton, Bruno, Anderson; Almiron, Isak, Barnes.