Newcastle United end the 2022/23 season with a trip to Chelsea, with Eddie Howe’s side safe in the knowledge that a top four finish is already guaranteed.
The Magpies have qualified for next season’s Champions League, and the celebrations are set to continue at Stamford Bridge.
However, Howe will be keen for his side to end the season strongly, up against a team that has really struggled throughout the entire campaign. It has not been Chelsea’s year, and they will be aiming to bounce back under Mauricio Pochettino.
With multiple changes expected, this is our predicted Newcastle starting lineup to face Chelsea
Enforced change in goal for Newcastle
There will definitely be at least one change to the Newcastle team, with Nick Pope already ruled out. He has undergone surgery for a hand injury that had been plaguing him for months.
That will create an opening for Martin Dubravka, who has not started a Premier League game since the final match of last season, which was a 2-1 win over Burnley at Turf Moor.
We anticipate one other change at the back, with Matt Targett coming in for Dan Burn. The summer signing has had limited opportunities this season, and deserves a run out in the final game.
Second start in a row for Elliot Anderson
Elliot Anderson came into the side against Leicester, and is expected to retain his place on Sunday. It will be back-to-back Premier League starts for the 20-year-old, which is something he is yet to experience in his career.
Newcastle have limited options in midfield, but were lifted by the return of Sean Longstaff on Monday. Howe would ideally let Bruno Guimaraes have a rest, but he seems likely to start at Stamford Bridge.
One option would be to play Lewis Miley, but he is likely to remain on the bench. However, it would be great for the 17-year-old to make his Toon debut as a substitute.
Changes in attack against Chelsea
Anthony Gordon and Allan Saint-Maximin have struggled for minutes as of late, but both feature in our predicted XI to face Chelsea.
The former has struggled to have a major impact since arriving in January, and will hope to go out on a high. Next season is the big one for Gordon, and many are anticipating the 22-year-old to really step up.
As for Saint-Maximin, it has been a mixed bag of a season. Fitness has been a major issue, while the form others has often forced him to watch on from the bench.
But the £16.5million man is still a gamechanger, and can hopefully prove that against Chelsea.
Predicted XI to face Chelsea: Dubravka; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Targett; Longstaff, Bruno, Anderson; Gordon, Isak, Saint-Maximin.