Chelsea travels to Newcastle in a return to Premier League action, with the Blues hoping to maintain their excellent run of form.
While some clubs will have greeted the international break with a sigh of relief—though not for long given the propensity for injury—few English clubs would have been as irked by the interruption as Chelsea. Frank Lampard’s plan was finally coming to fruition with all the summer’s moving parts functioning as one.
Of course, there was concern that one of those fresh faces, Ben Chilwell, would be unavailable for the matchup with the Magpies following his back injury against Belgium. Those fears seem to be subsided now. This means the Blues have a fully-bolstered roster to choose from in this enticing battle—minus Christian Pulisic (injury), Kai Havertz (COVID-19) and Thiago Silva (travel)—so where will the game be won and lost? Here’s three key clashes for the upcoming match:
Thiago Silva’s Replacement vs. Callum Wilson
It may seem odd to start with the defense, yet that is what Lampard has done in recent times, and it is why the team has prospered so. Captain leader legend Silva has been at the heart of this turnaround, with his stern voice (however high) and sterner still bite supplying the team with a much-needed backbone.
And so, with his likely absence given the combination of a Saturday lunchtime kick-off and a lengthy return from South America, that bite will need to come from elsewhere this time. The options include Antonio Rudiger, Fikayo Tomori and Andreas Christensen. Their main opponent? Callum Wilson.
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Now, having dispatched with many of the Premier League’s most potent strikers, Callum Wilson may not initially appear as a particular threat. And yet the Englishman is the joint-third-highest scorer in the division for a reason, with the second-highest goal conversion rate inside the top ten. Of course, playing for Steve Bruce’s Newcastle, you have to be making the most of any chance that comes your way. But it’s precisely because of this thrifty work in front of goal that you’ve got to be wary of him for the full 90 and beyond. That’s the game plan. See Spurs away for reference.
Kurt Zouma vs. Allan Saint-Maximin
Another defensive matchup? This is Newcastle away, why is there another key bout involving a defender? Exactly. Since 2010, Chelsea has won just twice at St. James’ Park in nine attempts. The last of which—a dreary 1-0 defeat in January this year—was the summation of the troubles on Tyneside.
Of course, the gratuitous Kepa Arrizabalaga clause applies—watch that 94′ winner back at your peril—but it doesn’t take away from the fact that once again, the defense as a whole blinked in the face of the blinding Geordie lights. Which brings us to Kurt Zouma. There’s no doubt the Frenchman has turned a leaf this term, but the size and magnitude of this leaf remains to be seen. One thing’s for sure: he’s the pace of that defense. With Allan Saint-Maximin representing the pace of the opposing attack, Zouma’s handling of his effervescent compatriot will be a key factor in the result, let alone the clean sheet.
Timo Werner vs. Steve Bruce’s Five-Strong Backline
Finally, some front line talk. Yeah, it pretty much comes down to whether Timo Werner and co. can get in behind this formidable five-man backline (aka the much-loathed sequel to The Hateful Eight). An early goal would be ideal in settling any St. James’ jitters, and Werner’s phenomenal finishing skills seem like the best way to get one.
Of course, it’s not all about the German. If there’s one thing Chelsea has shown so far this season, it’s an ability to rotate the goalscoring buck around a myriad of players. However, the degree to which Werner is isolated up top in the face of those five men will be a good indicator as to how the match is going. A frustrated Werner equals a flustered Chelsea; a free-spirited Werner likely means a free-scoring Chelsea. We want five!
What is a key clash you’re going to be keeping an eye on? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!