How Chelsea could line up against Newcastle United
Even with all the trouble they are currently facing, Chelsea have a game against Newcastle United to look forward to. The Blues have won four Premier League games in a row but will face a different kind of opponent when the Magpies come visiting.
Newcastle United are undefeated in eight league games and have moved up to 14th in the Premier League standings. They have picked up more points in 2022 than Chelsea and Manchester City and are only behind Liverpool in this statistic.
Chelsea enjoyed a comfortable first-leg win over Newcastle
The Blues picked up a comprehensive 3-0 win the first time the two sides met this season (October 2021). However, the Magpies have become a much better team since then and will provide a different test for Thomas Tuchel's men.
@ChelseaFC are unbeaten in their last 34 #PL home matches played in March (W29 D5)
🔵 @ChelseaFC are unbeaten in their last 34 #PL home matches played in March (W29 D5)
#CHENEW https://t.co/7Rj10qjeQA
The European champions will still be without a number of key players due to injury issues after their win over Norwich City in midweek.
Without further ado, here is how Chelsea could line up against Newcastle United.
Goalkeeper: Edouard Mendy
Edouard Mendy remains Chelsea's best goalkeeper in the current campaign. The Senegalese shot-stopper has kept 10 clean sheets in the Premier League this season.
The 30-year-old is one of the most reliable members of Thomas Tuchel's team and will definitely make the squad on Sunday.
Right center-back: Trevoh Chalobah
Trevoh Chalobah has enjoyed a wonderful breakout season at his boyhood club and has been an important player for the squad since making his debut. The England youth international scored Chelsea's opener in their midweek win over Norwich City.
Chalobah has proven to be a reliable player for Tuchel this season. He has scored three goals for the club in the Premier League this season.
Centre-back: Thiago Silva
Veteran defender Thiago Silva had another impressive showing for Chelsea against Norwich City in their 3-1 win. The Brazil international has played in nearly every match for the club this season, having made 23 league appearances.
Apart from being part of the Blues' impregnable backline, Thiago Silva is also a goal threat in the opposition area. The 37-year-old has scored three goals in the Premier League this season.
Left center-back: Antonio Rudiger
Antonio Rudiger will return to Chelsea's line-up against Newcastle United, having been rested for their trip to Norwich City. He was hardly missed against the Canaries. However, he remains an integral member of Tuchel's starting line-up.
Rudiger has made 25 league appearances this season and is one of the most consistent members of the Blues' squad. The German defender will have his work cut out against Newcastle United's attackers.
Right-wing back: Cesar Azpilicueta
Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta will continue to fill in for the injured Reece James. The experienced Spaniard had to be substituted after the first half of their midweek clash with Norwich City due to a stomach problem. He is expected to be fit for this weekend.
Azpilicueta remains one of the Blues' most durable players. Being captain, the 32-year-old defender has off-the-field issues to deal with as a result of the sanctions on the club. He will look to put these issues away and deliver a quality performance against Newcastle United.
Central midfield: Jorginho
Jorginho was part of Chelsea's starting line-up against Norwich City, partnering in midfield with Mateo Kovacic. The Italy international helped his side control the midfield in that match, and they eventually went on to win the game.
Jorginho has been rested for the majority of the Blues' recent matches, making him a fresh option in midfield against Newcastle United. He scored a penalty in the previous meeting between the two sides.
Central midfield: N'Golo Kante
N'Golo Kante enjoyed a rare break against Norwich City before he was introduced in the 86th minute. He still had enough time to provide an assist for Kai Havertz, who scored Chelsea's last goal of the game.
Kante's energy and dribbling abilities will be required against Newcastle United's energetic midfielders. The Frenchman started the first leg against the Magpies and lasted for 64 minutes.
Left-wing back: Saul Niguez
With Marcos Alonso still expected to miss out and Ben Chilwell ruled out for the season, Saul Niguez will continue at left-wing back. The Spaniard is familiar with the role, as he played there occasionally during his time at Atletico Madrid.
Saul is preferred by Tuchel in the LWB role due to his all-round ability and defensive discipline. He has shown in his last two Premier League starts that he can easily play in the position.
Right-wing forward: Hakim Ziyech
Hakim Ziyech has been very unlucky during his time at Stamford Bridge. The Moroccan forward seems to pick up an injury every time it looks like he's about to hit top form for the club. He was Chelsea's best player before his recent injury and was a key part of their victories.
Ziyech was fit enough to make the bench when the Blues took on Norwich City, but he was not substituted on for the game. He will return to the starting lineup as a result of Christian Pulisic's illness.
Left-wing forward: Mason Mount
After weeks of looking like a shadow of himself, Mason Mount finally came to life for his side in their midweek win over Norwich City. The Englishman scored and provided an assist as the Blues strolled to victory.
The 23-year-old has contributed more goals than any other player for Chelsea this season in all competitions (17). This shows how important his presence in the team is.
Striker: Kai Havertz
German forward Kai Havertz has led the line excellently for the Blues since getting picked ahead of Romelu Lukaku. His form has kept the Belgian striker on the bench, and he will start against Newcastle United.
Five goals in his last six appearances! 👏 https://t.co/gDHVRtCxV8
Havertz has scored 10 goals in all competitions for Chelsea this season. He has netted five goals in his last six appearances for the club.
The 22-year-old forward contributed a goal and an assist in his side's midweek win over Norwich City.