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Chelsea predicted XI at Newcastle: Strong squad on Tyneside

By Vansh Ambashta

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - JANUARY 18: Reece James of Chelsea is challenged by Ciaran Clark of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Chelsea FC at St. James Park on January 18, 2020 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - JANUARY 18: Reece James of Chelsea is challenged by Ciaran Clark of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Chelsea FC at St. James Park on January 18, 2020 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /
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Chelsea’s French midfielder N’Golo Kante (L) vies with Newcastle United’s French midfielder Allan Saint-Maximin during the English Premier League football match between Newcastle United and Chelsea at St James’ Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England on January 18, 2020. (Photo by LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea’s French midfielder N’Golo Kante (L) vies with Newcastle United’s French midfielder Allan Saint-Maximin during the English Premier League football match between Newcastle United and Chelsea at St James’ Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England on January 18, 2020. (Photo by LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images) /

N’Golo Kante (No. 7) Defensive midfielder, France

Last season, most people forgot the tank that was hidden behind Kante’s innocent smile. However, this season, Kante looks fully fit and he is slowly getting back into his groove. While he started off quite inconsistently, Kante has grown into his role in this relatively young squad and brought calmness and composure. In the international break, Kante was all over the pitch for France and even bagged a goal. The shift to 4-3-3 has allowed Kante to flourish and expect to see him boss the midfield around again on Saturday.

Mateo Kovacic (No. 17) Central midfielder, Croatia

With Kai Havertz recovering fitness after Covid, Lampard will have to readjust his midfield for the week. Another issue is that nearly all of his midfielders went away and played in every single match for their country. With fatigue the standard, performance on break earns a shot at Newcastle and that is where goal scoring maestro(!) Kovacic comes in after finding the back of the net on break.

Mason Mount (No. 19) Central midfielder, England

Mason Mount is an absolute gem of a footballer. He has been playing regularly for England and scored a wonderful goal against Iceland. Rival fans and media can talk all they want, but there’s something special about Mount that makes him a regular in the Chelsea and England teams. Mount’s role in the 4-3-3 has been extremely interesting and he has reacted very well. With Kante shielding him, Mount has the freedom to find gaps and play dangerous passes. Despite playing a lot of games in recent weeks, Mount will start against Newcastle and put in a good shift, like always.

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