Chelsea predicted XI at Newcastle: Strong squad on Tyneside

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Chelsea’s English defender Ben Chilwell runs on the pitch during the English League Cup third round football match between Chelsea and Barnsley at Stamford Bridge in London on September 23, 2020. (Photo by ALASTAIR GRANT/AFP via Getty Images) /

Chelsea travels up north to take on Newcastle. The Blues are looking to extend their win streak, so the match will require a strong starting XI.

Chelsea is returning from break with mostly everyone available but few players actually fully match fit. Frank Lampard’s press conference preceded much of the squad returning so it is hard to tell who came back and won’t be ready for Newcastle. The squad is deep enough that the Toons shouldn’t pose too much of a problem, but it is still and annoying issue in an already packed season.

Edouard Mendy (No. 16) Goalkeeper, Senegal

Edouard Mendy will start, end of story. This is perhaps the one position which remains undisputed in a crowded, yet talented, squad. Frank Lampard has clearly emphasized clean sheets, and Mendy is a vital cog in that plan. Be prepared to see another confident display at the back from Mendy and his back four against the Magpies.

Reece James (No. 24) Right back, England

Reece James is the epitome of the Lampard revolution at Stamford Bridge. The young right back is one of the most vicious crossers in the league and his crosses are finally getting converted to goals. He has managed to keep Mr. Consistent, Cesar Azpilicueta, on the bench and that in itself is a huge compliment for the 20-year-old. Chelsea fans are finally starting to see the Hakim Ziyech and James link-up down the right, and there seems to be a telepathic connection between the two. Expect another masterclass from James, and a goal seems due after his absolute belter on the opening match day.

Fikayo Tomori (No. 14) Centerback, England

While Lampard seems to be convinced with Antonio Rudiger, Fikayo Tomori genuinely deserves a chance to make his case. He seemed to have lose his momentum last season after a great spell at Derby County the year before. This seems like the perfect opportunity for Tomori as Rudiger hasn’t really settled in yet. Lampard needs to sort out the situation with five centrebacks soon, as he needs to find a proper back-up. Thiago Silva will have to managed very carefully, and Lampard needs a reliable option. Another important factor is that Tomori chose to disagree for a loan move at the last moment in the window. This shows that he wants to fight for his position at Chelsea, and it is only fair that he is given a chance.

Kurt Zouma (No. 15) Centerback, France

Kurt Zouma has been a revelation this season. While he has made a mistake or two, he has been reliable at the back and has dominated every forward that has come his way. His aerial dominance cannot be understated as Zouma has won the most headers in the league. The Frenchman has also created a terror in the opposition’s box as he seems to reach every cross into the box on free kicks and corners. Expect another solid performance from Zouma against Newcastle.

Ben Chilwell (No. 21) Left back, England

Considering Chelsea’s current defensive form, it would be too risky to rest two starting defenders at once. In his presser, Lampard mentioned how Chilwell was on the bench for England and seemed to recover. So, it is likely that Chilwell will be starting the game. He could be substituted after 60-70 minutes for Azpilicueta or Emerson if things go well for the Blues.

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