Bobby Vincent shares his predicted Chelsea line-up as the Blues welcome Newcastle United to Stamford Bridge today in the first of back-to-back games with the Magpies
Chelsea welcome Newcastle United to Stamford Bridge this afternoon in the first of back-to-back matches against the Magpies.
Today sees the two sides meet in the Premier League but on Wednesday they face each other once again in the Carabao Cup round of 16. For Enzo Maresca, this afternoon's fixture is viewed as the more important of the two - and the team selection should reflect just that.
After making 11 changes for Thursday night's win against Panathinaikos in the Conference League, the Italian is once again set to make wholesale alterations to his side. Going into the game, Chelsea have no new injury blows - with Reece James and Romeo Lavia returning to action in last weekend's 2-1 defeat at Liverpool.
Was there anyone that impressed in midweek and could come into the side today? Bobby Vincent shares his team prediction for this afternoon's Premier League game.
GK: Robert Sanchez
It was not Sanchez's finest performance at Anfield last weekend and there have been some calls for the Spaniard to be dropped. Filip Jorgensen impressed against Panathinaikos but Maresca is set to keep faith with Sanchez for today's game at Stamford Bridge.(Image: Carl Recine)
James made his first appearance of the season last weekend against Liverpool and could be set to keep his place in the Premier League. He was given a rest and did not travel to Greece so he has had more time than others to prepare for Newcastle.(Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)
Fofana has not played for Chelsea since before the most recent international break. Suspended for Liverpool and left out of the squad for Panathinaikos, but the Frenchman could return to the right centre-back role today.(Image: Visionhaus)
Colwill was not at his brilliant best against Liverpool last Sunday but remains one of Chelsea's most important players. Overall, it has been a really strong start to the season for the England international, who will be looking to put things right today.(Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)
Marc Cucurella was used at left-back in Greece on Thursday, hinting that it could be Gusto there today. The Frenchman was used there against Liverpool and Maresca could ask him to go again.(Image: Paul Ellis/AFP)
Caicedo has been in tremendous form lately and is a shoo-in to continue in the centre of midfield against Newcastle. The Ecuadorian was given a rest in midweek and did not travel to Greece.(Image: Carl Recine)
Lavia was brilliant in the 55-or-so minutes he played at Anfield on his return last weekend. The Belgian could keep his place in the side over Enzo Fernandez, who played against Panathinaikos.(Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)
Madueke looks set to keep his place in the XI after being an unused substitute in Athens. Pedro Neto is certainly knocking on the door but Maresca seems to love Madueke and what he can do on the right-hand side.(Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)
Not included in the squad for the Panathinaikos win, Palmer looks set to return to the side fresh and ready for Newcastle. If Chelsea can get him in the game, it might be a long afternoon for the Magpies.(Image: Carl Recine)
Mykhailo Mudryk put in a brilliant performance in Greece on Thursday night but the fact he played 90 minutes, and the short turnaround, suggests Maresca may go with Sancho again. Sancho is still waiting to score his first goal for the club following his loan move and he will be desperate to put that right at Stamford Bridge this afternoon.(Image: Dean Mouhtaropoulos - UEFA)
His goal at Anfield last weekend added to his fine start to the season and life under Maresca. Christopher Nkunku did score in Greece but Maresca is set to choose Jackson, who did not travel with the squad, another start up front.(Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)